The Legal and Legislative Resources Committee (LLRC), a standing committee, is responsible for providing information to the association and others as specified in this chapter with regard to legal matters and legislation affecting grand juries. The primary functions of LLRC are to:
- Provide information and “best practices” suggestions to CGJA chapters, sitting grand juries, court personnel, and grand jury legal advisors on the meaning and applicability of statutes related to grand jury operations
- Maintain the FAQ section of the CGJA website
- Maintain the Compendium of California Grand Jury Law
- Advise the association of developments in state legislative matters
- Assist the board in formulating and disseminating the association’s positions on legislation
The committee is comprised of at least three members who are attorneys and such other members as the chair designates. All must be current CGJA members in good standing.
LLRC does not have an attorney/client relationship with any person or entity with which it has contact and is not authorized to give legal advice. Neither LLRC nor CGJA may be made privy to any confidential grand jury information. However, LLRC may respond to CGJA members, chapters, sitting grand juries, court personnel, grand jury legal advisors, and other interested persons seeking guidance on the meaning and applicability of state laws and pending legislation related to grand jury jurisdiction and duties. LLRC may offer “best practices” suggestions concerning grand jury operations. LLRC will also maintain and periodically update the FAQ page on the CGJA website. LLRC may submit articles to the Grand Jurors’ Journal regarding these matters. The LLRC Chair will keep the Training Committee chair informed as to all advice sought and given by LLRC.
LLRC shall handle the licensing, maintaining, updating, and distribution of the Compendium of California Grand Jury Law, subject to budgetary approval of the board.
It is a policy of CGJA to be informed as a non-partisan participant in the state legislative process on issues that directly affect the California grand jury system. CGJA shall not carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities. LLRC monitors proposed and pending legislation that may impact the grand jury system and provide the board with both its analysis of the legislation and its recommendation regarding a position for the board to consider adopting. No legislative position will be adopted by CGJA without the approval of the board of directors by a majority vote of the total number of members of the directors then in office. The board may direct LLRC to solicit the input of sitting grand juries and CGJA chapters or independent associations when developing its position, time allowing. The board may directly or through LLRC convey its position to state lawmakers and their staff, propose amendments to the bill, and provide informational legislative status reports in the Grand Jurors’ Journal. The board may request that LLRC work with CGJA members, chapters, and independent associations in getting the views of the association before legislators and other persons who have the authority to introduce, sponsor, or influence legislation.