Court proceedings: media access.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Enrolled
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes California law to ensure that news organizations and members of the public can access court proceedings that are open to the public. It prohibits judicial officers, peace officers, or other law enforcement from preventing authorized representatives of news media from entering courtrooms or facilities. Violations of this provision could result in civil penalties.
Key provisions
- Prohibits law enforcement from blocking access to open court proceedings for media representatives.
- Allows for civil penalties for violations of the access restrictions.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘remote access’ for court proceedings.
- Maintains the requirement for courts to provide public audio streams or telephonic means when physically closed.
- Specifies that access restrictions are limited to maintaining order and managing proceedings.
Who is affected
- News organizations
- Members of the public
- Judicial officers
- Law enforcement officers
- Courts
Notable changes
- Expands access to court proceedings for media and the public.
- Introduces a mechanism for civil penalties for obstructing access.
- Reinforces the existing requirement for public access to court proceedings when available.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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