On November 21, Speaker Robert Rivas appointed Ash Kalra, California’s Indian American Assemblymember, as the chair of the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. This committee oversees family law, product and tort liability, Civil Code, and Evidence Code, excluding criminal procedure.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Kalra emphasized the critical role of the Judiciary Committee in safeguarding civil rights and ensuring a just legal system. With seven years of prior experience on the committee, he acknowledged the leadership of past chairs Stone and Maienschein.
Speaker Rivas welcomed Kalra’s appointment, highlighting the fundamental role of the justice system in ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable. Rivas expressed confidence in Kalra’s commitment to championing the rights of Californians and maintaining a just system.
Kalra, the first Indian American in California Legislature, thanked Speaker Rivas for the opportunity. Serving since 2016 and recently re-elected for a fourth term, Kalra not only chairs the Committee on Labor and Employment but is also a member of several key committees, including housing, transportation, and water.
Before entering the Legislature, Kalra served on the San José City Council for eight years and spent 11 years as a deputy public defender for Santa Clara County.
