On October 16, 2026, the Judicial Council approved agenda item 26-122 (Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters), despite strong opposition from independents. The only revision was updating the court rates to reflect current federal rates ($617/$349 - effective 1/1/2027). Assemblymember Ash Kalra raised concerns on item 26-122 but stopped short of asking for a delayed vote. However, he did request that they monitor unintended consequences and the Chief Justice