State lawmakers have secured funding to begin adding judges to California’s most under-resourced courts, including those in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County announced last week.
The Inland Empire Legislative Caucus announced the 2026-27 state budget provides $44 million to support the phased implementation of 13 new superior court judgeships and $100 million for related court facilities.
County officials said the funding follows years of bipartisan advocacy by the IE legislative delegation, local governments, the Judicial Council, which governs the state court system, and regional court officials to address a shortage of judges that has led to higher caseloads and longer wait times for area residents needing to access the courts.
Earlier this year, the Inland Empire Caucus spearheaded a bipartisan budget request urging the State Legislature to fund judgeships that the Judicial Council identified as the state’s highest priorities, with San Bernardino and Riverside counties among those that have the greatest need.
“For decades, the Inland Empire has struggled with a shortage of judges despite being one of California’s fastest-growing regions,” Assemblyman Juan Carrillo, chair of the Inland Empire Legislative Caucus. “This budget represents real progress toward bringing our courts closer to the level of service our residents deserve. It reflects years of work by legislators from both parties, our local court leadership, counties and many others who refused to let this issue fall off the radar.”
Assemblymember Greg Wallis, vice chair of the Inland Empire Legislative Caucus, said the public deserves a court system that is available when people most need it.
“I’m proud of the efforts of our caucus and our regional partners to keep this issue front and center and advocate for the resources our growing region needs,” Wallis said in a statement. “This funding is an important step toward improving access to justice for families across the Inland Empire.”
The Inland Empire has nearly 5 million residents but continues to face some of the highest judicial workloads in the state. According to the Judicial Council’s workload assessment, San Bernardino and Riverside counties are among the state’s highest priorities for additional judgeships based on documented need.
“This funding will help improve access to justice for residents throughout our region,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “As our communities have grown, the demands on our courts have grown with them. It was a privilege to advocate for this investment alongside our Inland Empire legislative delegation in Sacramento, and I’m grateful for their partnership and leadership in securing this funding for our region.”
Currently Riverside County has 75 authorized judges, 14 commissioners and one hearing officer, according to the county’s Superior Court. San Bernardino County Superior Court has a combined total of 104 judges and judicial officers, according to the court.
“For years, San Bernardino County has faced one of the most significant judicial officer shortages in California, placing substantial demands on our courts and communities,” SB County Superior Court Presiding Judge Rod Cortez said in a statement. “The funding provided in this year’s budget is a meaningful investment that will expand access to justice, improve court services and reinforce public trust. We are grateful to the governor and Legislature for recognizing these needs and for their continued support of the judicial branch and the residents.”
County officials noted that while this funding does not fully address California’s judge shortage, it is a key investment toward improving court access for Inland Empire residents and provides the first funding to begin implementing judgeships that lawmakers authorized in 2023.
