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AB-540 • 2026

Motions: filing and service requirements.

Motions: filing and service requirements.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Connolly
Last action
Official status
Senate - Inactive
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill status shows it was ordered to an inactive file, which may affect whether or when this clarification becomes effective law.

Clarifying Notice Times for Electronic Motion Service

This law clarifies that sending court motion notices by electronic means does not require adding extra days to the notice period.

What This Bill Does

  • Confirms current rules requiring at least 81 days of notice before hearings for summary judgment motions and motions for judgment on the pleadings.
  • States that serving these specific notices by fax, express mail, or overnight delivery adds 2 court days to the required notice period.
  • Confirms current rules requiring at least 16 court days of notice before hearings for other specified prescribed motions.
  • States that serving these other specified motions by fax, express mail, or overnight delivery adds 2 calendar days to the required notice period.
  • Clarifies that electronic service does not require adding extra time to the notice period for any of these motions.
  • Makes conforming changes to related laws.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Parties involved in civil actions
  • Lawyers filing prescribed motions, including summary judgment and judgment on the pleadings

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill only clarifies existing rules regarding notice periods for specific methods of service.
  • The text applies to civil actions but does not specify if it affects criminal cases.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Inactive

Official Summary Text

Motions: filing and service requirements.