Plain English Breakdown
Checked against official source text during the last sync.
Extending Remote Court Rules and Delaying Public Lactation Rooms
This law extends the time courts can use video technology for hearings until January 1, 2032, updates rules on when judges require in-person attendance, delays a deadline for public lactation rooms to July 1, 2029, and provides $100,000 to help build them.
What This Bill Does
- Extends rules allowing remote appearances in civil cases through January 1, 2032.
- Applies these extended remote appearance rules to witnesses as well as parties.
- Allows courts to require an in-person appearance if they decide it is necessary for the hearing or if video would hurt the case outcome.
- Requires courts to give a reason for demanding an in-person appearance starting January 1, 2027.
- Extends remote technology rules for criminal cases and juvenile court proceedings through January 1, 2032.
- Delays the deadline for courthouses to provide public lactation rooms from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029.
- Provides $100,000 from state funds to help modify court buildings for lactation rooms.
Who It Names or Affects
- Courts and judges handling civil, criminal, or juvenile cases
- People appearing in court as parties, witnesses, or defendants
- Official court reporters who record proceedings
- Employees and visitors using courthouses
Terms To Know
- Remote technology
- Using video calls to attend a court hearing instead of being there in person.
- Lactation room
- A private, clean space where people can express breast milk.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not say exactly how much money is needed to finish all lactation rooms.
- Courts still have the power to decide on a case-by-case basis if someone must appear in person.
- The text does not list specific types of technology that courts must use.