New temporary legislation will codify remote court appearances and electronic documentation, and expand court reporting licenses.
The 2021 California Court Efficiency Act, (SB241) which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Sept. 22, allows witnesses and lawyers to appear remotely, and authorizes entities that are not California-based or shorthand reporting corporations to be employed as court reporters if they meet specific requirements.
“We have a great deal of challenge with regard to access to justice,” said bill author and lawyer Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Orange County) at a hearing. “It is becoming more and more expensive for all participants to seek justice in California.”
Remote proceedings
The law allows
