Judicial Council to Consider Updated Parameters to Assess Judicial Workload and Need

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.