California Rules of Court 2024

Rule 10.21. Proposals from members of the public for changes to rules, standards, or forms

(a) Application

This rule applies to proposals for changes to rules, standards, or forms by a member of the public (any person or organization other than a Judicial Council internal committee, advisory committee, or task force, or Judicial Council staff).

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2016.)

(b) Submission and content of proposals

Proposals must be submitted in writing to: Judicial Council of California, Attention: Chief Counsel. Proposals should include:

(1) The text of the proposed rule, standard, form, or amendment;

(2) A description of the problem to be addressed;

(3) The proposed solution and alternative solutions;

(4) Any likely implementation problems;

(5) Any need for urgent consideration;

(6) Known proponents and opponents;

(7) Any known fiscal impact; and

(8) If known, any previous action by the council or an advisory committee on the proposal.

(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2016.)

(c) Advisory committee's review of proposal

The Chief Counsel must refer each proposal from a member of the public to an appropriate advisory committee for consideration and recommendation, or, if no appropriate advisory committee exists, to the Rules Committee. A Judicial Council staff member may independently review the proposal and present an analysis and a recommendation to the committee. The committee may take one of the following actions:

(1) Accept the proposal, either as submitted or modified, and proceed under rule 10.22;

(2) Request further information or analysis; or

(3) Reject the proposal.

(Subd (c) amended effective April 16, 2020; previously amended effective January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2016.)

Rule 10.21 amended effective April 16, 2020; adopted as rule 6.21 effective January 1, 2002; previously amended and renumbered as rule 10.21 effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2016.