Senator Roth Seeks Greater Access to Justice for Inland Southern California

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Senator Richard D. Roth introduced legislation to bring six new superior court judgeships to California. Co-authored by Assemblymembers Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) and Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake), Senate Bill 16 seeks to relieve an overwhelming pressure felt in the state’s justice system.

“The number of judgeships authorized and funded by this legislative body must keep pace with the workload in all California courtrooms. Historically, that hasn’t happened,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “While we have recently made significant strides to correct this social injustice, an urgent need for new judgeships remains, which is why I am proud to continue to lead this charge.”

“It is critical that we preserve access to our criminal justice system and continue to address the judge shortage, not only for western Riverside County, but the entire state of California,” said Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona). “I am proud to work alongside my friend and colleague, Senator Richard Roth, to continue to address this important issue.”

“I have fought for years to fund additional justices in both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, both which have a severe justice shortage,” said Assemblymember Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake). “Given the multi-billion budget surplus California currently enjoys, we have an obligation to prioritize adequate funding for our judicial system. Every Californian deserves to have timely access to justice.”

Based on the report, The Need for New Judgeships in the Superior Courts: Preliminary 2018 Update of the Judicial Needs Assessment, 17 courts need new judgeships, for a total need of 127 judges. The need estimate does not include judicial vacancies resulting from retirements, elevations, or other changes that have not yet been filled. In 2018, two highly impacted courts, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, received two judgeships each. In addition, the Budget Act of 2018 gave the Superior Court of the County of Riverside two newly funded judgeships. Despite these changes, Riverside and San Bernardino courts continue to have a large unmet need for new judgeships.

Senator Roth continued: “The public’s right to timely access to justice should not be contingent on the level of resources in the county. This piece of legislation is another crucial down payment on a promise to Californians seeking their day in court.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.