The Legislative Counsel Bureau provides legal assistance to the two houses of the Legislature, their members and committees by resolving a large volume of complex legal problems arising in connection with the legislative process. The legal services furnished include rendering opinions, drafting bills, counseling, attending as counsel meetings of legislative committees, and representing the Legislature in litigation. The attorney-client relationship is maintained and all work is confidential.

In addition, the Bureau prepares and provides necessary indices and appropriate tables necessary to identify legislative measures and compiles and indexes statutes and codes.

The Bureau operates the Legislative Data Center, which provides information technology services in support of the legislative information system and the processing of legislative measures.

Pursuant to Chapter 46, Statutes of 2012, the California Commission on Uniform State Laws was transferred into the Legislative Counsel Bureau. The California Commission on Uniform State Laws presents to the Legislature uniform laws recommended by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and then promotes passage of these uniform acts.