https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-system-partnership-increases-legal-aid-low-income-litigants Justice System Partnership Increases Legal Aid for Low-Income Litigants natalie.l.ston… Wed, 10/21/2026 - 12:48 Feature Because there’s no guarantee to counsel in civil cases, many low-income Californians cannot afford legal representation. In 2024, a State Bar of California study found that eight in 10 low-income Californians felt they did not receive sufficient legal help for civil legal problems that substantially impacted them.  Partnering to Expand Access to Justice To help increase access to the court system, the Judicial Council partners with many government and public agencies to support Californians navigating the justice system, particularly those that may face additional challenges.  For example, the council has worked with the California Access to Justice Commission (CalATJ) over the commission’s 30-year history. One major effort has been the implementation of the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act. Developed through the council’s Center for Families, Children, and the Courts, the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act provides funding for pilot projects that offer legal representation and improved court services for low-income court users. The program’s attorneys and self-help services help clients facing eviction, seeking a restraining order, or navigating child custody or guardianship and conservatorship matters. When the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act was being drafted, CalATJ consulted with the council and met with former Chief Justice Ronald M. George to support its passage in the legislature. A member of CalATJ has since served on the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act Implementation Committee, which makes recommendations for the selection of pilot projects.   Since the program’s creation in 2012 to 2023, it’s served 53,000 clients and benefited nearly 150,000 household members. “The Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Program is one of the ways the judicial branch, California legal aid nonprofits, and local communities collaborate to narrow the justice gap,” said Executive Director of the California Access to Justice Commission Jack Londen. History of CalATJ In 1993, the State Bar of California appointed a working group to study how the legal needs of low-income Californians were being met. The group identified about five million Californians, who had almost two million legal issues, living at or below the poverty line in 1990.  In 1996, CalATJ was created under the State Bar to pursue recommendations and funding options from the working group. Some of these recommendations included further developing alternative dispute resolution, improving small claims courts, or expanding court technology and interpreter services. Of its 21 members, CalATJ included both lawyers and non-lawyers to represent a wide range of experience.  Today, CalATJ has 26 members and operates independently of the State Bar. All three branches of the state government are represented, with eight judges, two appellate justices, and California Supreme Court Associate Justice Kelli Evans currently representing the judicial branch.  Learn more about CalATJ.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-approves-updated-parameters-assess-judicial-workload-and-need Judicial Council Approves Updated Parameters to Assess Judicial Workload and Need natalie.l.ston… Fri, 10/16/2026 - 15:08 News Release SAN FRANCISCO- The Judicial Council at its Oct. 16 business meeting adopted updated parameters to help assess judicial need in trial courts. As part of the 2026 Judicial Workload Study, the updated parameters adjust the judicial work year, the judicial workday value, and caseweights—the amount of judicial time certain types of cases require. The parameters are periodically updated to accurately reflect judicial workload, which can change over time due to new laws, technology, or case-processing practices that may affect how much time it takes to process each court filing.  “The Judicial Workload Study rests on the participation of more than 1,200 judicial officers and 18 courts who recorded their time for 4 weeks during a very busy period in the courts,” said retired Judge Thomas E. Kuhnle, vice chair of the council’s Data Analytics Advisory Committee. “The study had a 98% participation rate. The result is the most comprehensive picture of judicial workload this branch has ever had.”  The council approved the proposed workload study with one amendment—raising the updated judicial workday value to 431 minutes of case-related time per working day.  The council also approved the use of the 2026 Judicial Workload Study as the basis to allocate 13 judgeships that have been funded in the governor’s budget over the next five years. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda:  Certification Changes for Court Interpreters: The council approved changes to the California court interpreter certification requirements, including an orientation, an additional screening exam, and allowing candidates to carry over passing scores on individual sections of an exam for up to two years. These changes are recommended to improve candidate success and expand the pool of qualified court interpreters. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) New Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters: The council approved raising the maximum daily compensation rate for independent contractor interpreters. The council raised the daily compensation rates to the federal levels to address increased interpreter costs while ensuring compliance with the statutory limit that rates not exceed those paid to federally certified court interpreters. The council also approved a new statewide framework to ensure all courts use the same contract terms for contract interpreter services. The framework includes standardized nonnegotiable rates, travel compensation, contractual obligations, and administrative procedures to be used by all courts. The policy also promotes the use of remote video interpreting when appropriate. (Watch archived video of this agenda item)   Pilot Program for American Sign Language Interpreters: The council authorized a pilot program to evaluate the limited use of qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Generalist Interpreters, credentialed interpreters who are not currently certified as ASL court interpreters. Six to 10 volunteer courts will participate in the program, which includes safeguards such as using these generalist interpreters for only non-complex, non-evidentiary hearings and requiring training, as well as specific testing and ethics requirements. Participating courts and council staff will closely monitor the program and user experiences. The program will also provide ASL generalist interpreters with a pathway towards certification, supporting the development of a qualified ASL court interpreter workforce that can meet the demand of the fourth-most requested language in California courts. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Court Adoption and Permanency Month Proposal: The council proclaimed November 2026 to be Adoption and Permanency Month, with a special focus on the work of juvenile courts to support guardianship. When reunification or adoption is not possible, guardianships provide a pathway to a safe, permanent placement for children. In 2025, approximately 10% of children who exited foster care were through a legal guardianship. The council heard a presentation from a guardian about the legal recognition and essential resources guardianship provided for their family. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Grant Funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates: The council approved the allocation of $19.9 million in grant funding for the California Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. The council provided $16 million in funding, to be distributed equitably between the state’s 45 local CASA programs, to expand capacity, recruitment, and training of volunteers to advocate for children under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court. Another $3.9 million was provided to be used statewide for recruitment initiatives, developing a training curriculum, and collecting data on program implementation and outcomes.  The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center and an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-consider-updated-parameters-assess-judicial-workload-and-need Judicial Council to Consider Updated Parameters to Assess Judicial Workload and Neednatalie.l.ston… Fri, 10/09/2026 - 09:57 News Release SAN FRANCISCO- The Judicial Council at its Oct. 16 business meeting will consider adopting updated parameters to assess judicial need in trial courts.  As part of the 2026 Judicial Workload Study, the updated parameters adjust the judicial work year, the judicial workday value, and caseweights - the amount of judicial time certain types of cases require. The parameters are periodically updated to accurately reflect judicial workload.  The council will also consider using the 2026 Judicial Workload Study as the basis to allocate 13 judgeships that have been funded in the governor’s budget over the next five years. Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda:  Certification Changes for Court Interpreters: The council will consider changes to the California court interpreter certification, including an orientation, an additional screening exam, and allowing candidates to carry over passing scores on individual sections of an exam for up to two years. These changes are recommended to improve candidate success and expand the pool of qualified court interpreters.  New Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters: The council will consider raising the maximum daily compensation rate for independent contractor interpreters, while ensuring it is not higher than the rate paid to federally certified interpreters, as required by the annual Budget Act. A new statewide framework is also recommended to ensure all courts use the same contract terms for interpreter services. Pilot Program for American Sign Language Interpreters: The council will consider authorizing a pilot program to evaluate the limited use of qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Generalist Interpreters, credentialed interpreters who are not currently certified as ASL court interpreters. The pilot is intended to expand language access for Deaf and hard of hearing court users, while supporting the development of a qualified ASL court interpreter workforce.  Court Adoption and Permanency Month Proposal: The council will consider proclaiming November 2026 to be Adoption and Permanency Month, with a special focus on the work of juvenile courts to support guardianship as a pathway to a permanent placement. In 2025, approximately 10% of minors who exited foster care were through a legal guardianship. Grant Funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates: The council will consider approving the allocation of $19.9 million in grant funding for the California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. The funding will support the recruitment and training of volunteers to advocate for children under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court.  The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to the live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/milestones-hispanic-legal-history-california Milestones in Hispanic Legal History in CaliforniaKaren.Datangel Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:25 Feature From September 15 to October 15, California courts and the Judicial Council of California join the nation in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn about historic jurists and landmark state and federal court cases impacting Hispanic/Latino history in California. If you are not able to view the timeline below, click here. This timeline was created in association with the Los Angeles Superior Court Latino Judicial Officers Association (Judges Maria R. Byrum, Annabelle Cortez, Miguel Espinoza, Benjamin P. Hernandez-Stern, Roberto Longoria, Serena Murillo, Maria Puente-Porras, and Alex Ricciardulli, and Commissioner Dennis F. Hernandez). *This feature was originally published on Sep. 16, 2024. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-state-legislature-recognizes-100th-anniversary-judicial-council-california California State Legislature Recognizes 100th Anniversary of the Judicial Council of CaliforniaBalassone, Merrill Wed, 08/19/2026 - 13:54 News Release On August 19, the California State Legislature passed SCR-196, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council of California. The joint resolution was introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Led by the Chief Justice, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The council was established in 1926 through a constitutional amendment, with the aim of building a more equitable, independent and resilient judicial branch. Throughout its first hundred years, the council has led transformative changes to the branch and enhanced access to justice statewide. “The council’s first century tells a story of innovation, resilience, and public service,” Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said. “This year, we honor the council’s legacy, celebrate those who have carried it forward, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all.” “It is critical for our judicial branch to remain independent from the legislative and executive branches,” said Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón. “It is also important that trust remains in our judicial system and judicial independence is maintained. I am proud of the work the Judicial Council continues to accomplish and wish them another 100 years of success in defending our democracy.” “California deeply values its independent and impartial judiciary,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. “For a century, our courts have been guided by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law. As we mark this milestone, we’re reminded that these principles remain the foundation of public trust and a fair, equitable system of justice.” Early reforms focused on unifying disparate courts, improving civil procedure, and ensuring consistency and accountability in judicial administration. More recently, the council has concentrated on modernizing the court experience through expanded use of technology and improving courthouse infrastructure. The council has also supported numerous judicial administration programs and services, including the establishment of over 400 collaborative justice programs and the creation of self-help centers in all 58 counties. To learn more about the Judicial Council and its history, click here. Read the full text of the resolution here. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-judge-steven-jahr-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Judge Steven Jahr on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 08/11/2026 - 16:51 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. Judge Steven Jahr, Former Judicial Council Administrative Director (Ret.) Judge Steven Jahr, Former Judicial Council Administrative Director (Ret.)Judge Steven Jahr served for more than 20 years on the Shasta County bench before coming out of retirement to serve as the council’s administrative director from 2012-2014. In a recent interview, he answered questions about his career-long efforts to improve the California court system, including his time as a council member and as the council’s administrative director. “My experience both as a council member from the late 90s and serving as Administrative Director between 2012 and 2014 is that there is a decidedly apolitical culture that the council is invested in,” said Judge Jahr. “Openness and operational transparency are valued. It has always been composed of people who are sensitive to the highest ethical standards and have a great sense of collegiality.” Judge Jahr expanded on the council’s culture, calling it one “of reform-mindedness” and “less inclined to adhere to old ways for their own sake or to be preoccupied with matters of turf and territory.” See the full interview with Judge Jahr on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/memoriam-justice-marsha-slough In Memoriam: Justice Marsha SloughBalassone, Merrill Mon, 08/10/2026 - 15:15 News Release Justice Marsha G. Slough, who served on California's Fourth District Court of Appeal and was a two-decade veteran of the state judiciary, died on Saturday following an illness. She was 68. Justice Slough served nearly a decade on the Judicial Council, where she helped lead the branch through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped shape critical branch initiatives, including court technology and pretrial reform. Said California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero: "Justice Slough leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, intellect, and an unwavering devotion to the fair administration of justice. Throughout her career, she brought not only sharp legal judgment but also genuine humanity to her work, qualities that earned her the deep respect of colleagues across the judiciary. Her contributions to the courts will be felt for many years to come.” Justice Slough was appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two (Riverside) by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015. She made history as the first openly gay justice on that court. Over her tenure on the Fourth District, Justice Slough authored 454 opinions, including 55 published opinions. Before her elevation to the appellate bench, Justice Slough spent more than a decade on the San Bernardino Superior Court, to which she was appointed by Governor Gray Davis in 2003. She went on to serve as presiding judge of the county's juvenile court from 2007 to 2010, and as presiding judge of the entire San Bernardino court from 2012 to 2015. During her time on the Judicial Council, Justice Slough chaired its Executive and Planning Committee and played a key role in drafting emergency court rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those emergency rules helped curb the spread of COVID-19 in California jails, reduced evictions and foreclosures, and encouraged the use of remote technology to maintain access to the courts. Justice Slough led a statewide Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives that examined and promoted innovative practices employed by courts during the pandemic. She also chaired the judicial branch’s Pretrial Reform and Operations Workgroup, which launched pretrial pilots that have since grown to include programs in all 58 counties. “Justice Marsha Slough’s qualities of empathy, intellect, decisiveness, and kindness were apparent to everyone who had the privilege to know and work with her,” said Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran. “Her public service as a jurist as well as her leadership contributions as a long-serving member of the Judicial Council were rooted in her respect for the humanity of all seeking justice through our court system. Her loss is deeply felt by her friends and colleagues across the branch.” Said former California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, under whom Slough served for much of her Judicial Council tenure: “From presiding judge to justice, Justice Marsha Slough combined astute policies with compassionate leadership. She was instrumental in leading and building the most critical, sensitive, and impactful policies of the Judicial Council. In all of her responsibilities, and they were myriad, she brought her analytical brilliance and collaborative nature. Justice Slough worked tirelessly to improve justice in California, and she wildly succeeded in that endeavor.” Justice Slough retired from the Fourth District Court of Appeal in 2023, reflecting at the time that "the past 20 years has afforded me the unique privilege of observing firsthand the importance of the rule of law and the true value in a commitment to justice for all." Justice Slough is survived by her spouse, Jill Sibler. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-approves-trial-court-funding-will-help-ensure-access-court-users Judicial Council Approves Trial Court Funding That Will Help Ensure Access for Court UsersCorren, Blaine Fri, 07/17/2026 - 12:54 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting approved statewide funding for trial court operations included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom. The funding for fiscal year 2026–27 includes money for staffing, interpreters, court-appointed dependency counsel, continued implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, and other costs associated with trial court operations. “These allocations are the primary funding source for the trial courts and are essential to support court operations and sustain critical programs and services for the public,” said Judge Jonathan Conklin, chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. The council uses an established formula based on court workload to allocate the funding equitably among the 58 superior courts in California. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Legal Services for Low-Income PartiesThe council approved $54 million in state funding allocated over the next three years to fund the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which supports projects providing legal representation and improved court services for low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. “The Shriver program is California’s commitment to ensuring meaningful access for low-income litigants facing issues that affect basic needs,” said Judge Judith Dulcich. “For example, Shriver-funded attorneys are essential in helping self-represented litigants navigate evolving eviction procedures, rental assistance programs, and complex housing laws.”  (Watch the archived video of this Consent Agenda item) Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Updated Plan for Court Construction: The council approved the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan and five capital-outlay budget change proposals for fiscal year 2027–28. The plan represents the funding needs for new courthouse construction, as well as renovations and additions to existing facilities. The rating and ranking criteria looks at a number of factors related to courthouse conditions, such as seismic strength, safety and security, ADA compliance, and access to court services. Courthouse construction follows standardized and previously approved courtroom layouts, which saves time and money. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Upgrading Court Technology: The council approved $12.5 million in state grant funding provided to help courts expand their use of technology, including projects related to cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, case management systems, and e-filing. Courts requested nearly $63 million in grant funding, demonstrating the substantial gap in available funds and the courts desire to use technology to improve court operations and services to the public. Due to the limited funding, the council encourages courts to collaborate on shared technology projects. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Grants to Improve Jury Service: The council approved $600,000 in state grant funding to improve jury service management, including money for jury management systems upgrades, self-check-in kiosks, A/V equipment, and other tools that would increase efficiency and improve the experience of potential jurors called to serve. Grants to Expand Language Access: The council approved $2.35 million in state grant funding to expand language access for court users. Funding will be included for court projects related to interpreter equipment, translation of court website information, and multilingual kiosks and audio/visual systems. Budget Change Proposals: The council approved budget change proposals to the California Department of Finance for consideration in the fiscal year 2027-28 budget, which include increased funding for court-appointed counsel, technology, cybersecurity, and courthouse maintenance. The budget change proposals represent the highest values and priorities of the state judicial branch and support increasing access to justice for all Californians. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-chief-justice-tani-g-cantil-sakauye-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 07/14/2026 - 11:08 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)In her role as Chief Justice from 2011-2022, Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye served as chair of the Judicial Council of California. In a recent interview, she answered questions about her time leading the council, including her biggest accomplishments as well as her greatest challenges. “I think I just assumed that people understood all three branches of government, and that there would be easier conversations about making sure that all of the government could still provide services during a time of crisis, like the Great Recession, or COVID-19,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. Despite the budget challenges facing the judicial branch when she began her term as Chief Justice, she added “I think that having and confronting a crisis in the moment really brings out our best instincts about how to deal with it, how to include folks, and how to proceed.” See the full interview with Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-consider-funding-proposals-trial-court-operations Judicial Council to Consider Funding Proposals for Trial Court OperationsCorren, Blaine Fri, 07/10/2026 - 16:33 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting will consider recommendations on how to allocate funding to the trial courts included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom. The funding recommendations for fiscal year 2026–27 include how to allocate money for staffing, interpreters, court-appointed dependency counsel, continued implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, and other costs associated with trial court operations. The recommendations use an established formula based on court workload to allocate the funding. Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Budget Change Proposals: The council will consider submitting 24 budget change proposals to the California Department of Finance for consideration in the fiscal year 2027-28 budget, which include increased funding for new judgeships, court-appointed counsel, technology, interpreters, cybersecurity, and new courthouse construction and maintenance. Updated Plan for Court Construction: The council will consider the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan and five capital-outlay budget change proposals for fiscal year 2027–28. The plan represents the funding needs for new courthouse construction, as well as renovations and additions to existing facilities. Upgrading Court Technology: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $12.5 million in grant funding to help courts expand their use of technology, including projects related to cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, case management systems, and e-filing. Legal Services for Low-Income Parties: The council will consider funding recommendations totaling $54 million over the next three years under the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act to support projects providing legal representation and improved court services for low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. Grants to Improve Jury Service: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $600,000 in grant funding to improve jury service management, including money for jury management systems upgrades, self-check-in kiosks, A/V equipment, and other tools that would increase efficiency and improve the experience of potential jurors called to serve. Grants to Expand Language Access: The council will consider a proposal to allocate $2.35 million in grant funding to expand language access for court users. Funding would be included for court projects related to interpreter equipment, translation of court website information, and multilingual kiosks and audio/visual systems. The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to a live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting.