[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 120 (Monday, July 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM (BILL) THOMPSON BAGLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2025

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William (Bill) T. 
Baglietto who passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 96, after a 
remarkable life of public service, legal distinction, and civic 
leadership.
  Born in San Francisco in 1928, Bill's early years were shaped by 
hardship. After his family faced bankruptcy during the Great 
Depression, they relocated to a cabin in Woodacre, California. From 
these humble beginnings, Bill's extraordinary work ethic and intellect 
carried him far. He worked his way through high school, college, and 
law school as a member of the Marin County Fire Department, ultimately 
graduating as valedictorian from the University of California, Berkeley 
in 1949. He earned his J.D. from Berkeley Law in 1952, where he served 
on the California Law Review--a foundation for what would become a 
distinguished legal career.
  Bill practiced law for 63 years, including 35 years as a partner at 
Nossaman LLP. He became one of California's leading experts in 
business, water, transportation, and public policy law. Among his many 
legal contributions, he successfully defended First Amendment rights 
before the United States Supreme Court. His commitment to justice, 
transparency, and public accountability informed both his legal 
practice and his public service.
  From 1960 to 1974, Bill represented Marin and Sonoma Counties in the 
California State Assembly. A moderate Republican and tireless advocate 
for civil rights, he received an outstanding voter rating from the 
NAACP throughout his legislative career. Notably, he authored landmark 
legislation on transparency including the California Public Records Act 
and the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act--cornerstones of open government 
in California.
  Following his time in the Assembly, Bill was appointed by President 
Gerald Ford as the first chair of the newly created Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission. Under his leadership, the CFTC helped modernize and 
globalize the futures market. He traveled to Europe and Tokyo 
advocating for fair, well-regulated markets, and served on the Futures 
Industry Association Board of Directors. His public service extended to 
the California Transportation Commission, the Public Utilities 
Commission, and the University of California Board of Regents--each 
role reflecting his lifelong commitment to the public good.
  Bill received numerous accolades throughout his life, including the 
UC Berkeley Alumnus of the Year award in 2002. But to those who knew 
him well, he will be remembered for his character: principled, 
pragmatic, and endlessly generous with his time and wisdom.
  Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane; their children Lynn, 
Bill, Jr., Walter, Shana, and Tracy, and his grandchildren Nicholas, 
Julian, Nathaniel, Grant, and Layli.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Bagley embodied a rare blend of intellect, 
humility, and commitment to public service. He believed government 
could work to improve quality of life for everyone--and he worked 
tirelessly to prove it. I respectfully ask that you join me in honoring 
his enduring legacy and extending our deepest condolences to his 
family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him.

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