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Committee advances SB 702 requiring annual report on demographics of statewide appointments
Summary
SB 702 would require the governor's office and the Legislature to publish an annual report on demographic data for appointments to statewide boards and commissions; sponsors said it improves transparency over who occupies decision-making posts.
Senator Limon presented SB 702, a bill that would require the governor’s office and the Legislature to produce an annual report showing aggregate demographic information for individuals appointed to statewide boards and commissions. The sponsor, HOPE (Hispanas Organizing for Political Equality), said the measure is intended to increase transparency about who holds appointed seats and to identify gaps in representation.
Maria Morales, policy director for HOPE, told the committee the report would cover more than 580 boards and commissions and thousands of appointments and said the data would help communities see whether state bodies reflect the populations they serve. The bill clarifies that demographic data collection is voluntary and excludes ex officio legislative members. Morales said the bill builds on previous efforts that have repeatedly been vetoed and that the measure was revised in response to prior veto messages.
Committee members expressed general support. The author said the bill had bipartisan backing in past years even though prior versions were vetoed and pledged to continue the effort. The committee moved SB 702 as amended to Judiciary; roll-call minutes show the item placed on call and later reported out of committee.
