Remote court appearances.

Technology

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Rubio
Last action: 2026-04-13
Official status: April 21 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill expresses legislative intent but does not create new laws requiring remote appearances beyond allowing them.

Remote Court Appearances Extension

This law extends the period during which parties and non-party witnesses can appear in civil cases remotely through technology until January 31, 2029.

What This Bill Does

Extends the period during which parties can appear in civil cases through remote technology from January 1, 2027 to January 31, 2029.
Allows non-party witnesses to also appear remotely for court proceedings.

Who It Names or Affects

People involved in civil cases who want to attend court remotely.
Witnesses in both civil and criminal cases who can now appear remotely.

Terms To Know

Remote technology: Technology that allows people to participate in court proceedings from a different location, usually through video or phone calls.
Non-party witness: A person who is not directly involved in the case but can provide information relevant to it.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens after January 31, 2029.
It only expresses a goal for future legislation and does not create new laws at this time.

Bill History

2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
April 21 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 21.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on RLS.
2026-01-14 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 13.
2026-01-13 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 882, as amended, Rubio.
Remote court appearances.
Existing law authorizes, until January 1, 2027, a party to appear remotely and a court to conduct conferences, hearings, proceedings, and trials in civil cases, in whole or in part, through the use of remote technology.
This bill would extend the operation of these provisions to January 31, 2029. The bill would additionally authorize any non-party witness to appear remotely pursuant to these provisions.
Existing law establishes specified procedures and requirements for remote appearances for court proceedings in civil and criminal actions.
This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to require courts to allow any party or witness to appear remotely at a civil or criminal state court hearing, trial, or conference, except as specified, until January 31, 2029.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF