California Government Code

§ 68106

GOV § 68106 Effective Jun 27, 2012Title 8 · Ch. 1

Statute text

(a)(1) In making appropriations for the support of the trial courts, the Legislature recognizes the importance of increased revenues from litigants and lawyers, including increased revenues from civil filing fees. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that courts give the highest priority to keeping courtrooms open for civil and criminal proceedings. It is also the intent of the Legislature that, to the extent practicable, in the allocation of resources by and for trial courts, access to court services for civil litigants be preserved, budget cuts not fall disproportionately on civil cases, and the right to trial by jury be preserved.

(2)Furthermore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting the Budget Act of 2010, which includes increases in civil and criminal court fees and penalties, that trial courts remain open to the public on all days except judicial holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and except as authorized pursuant to Section 68115.

(b)(1) A trial court shall provide written notification to the public by conspicuous posting within or about its facilities, on its public Internet Web site, and by electronic distribution to individuals who have subscribed to the court’s electronic distribution service, and to the Judicial Council, not less than 60 days prior to closing any courtroom, or closing or reducing the hours of clerks’ offices during regular business hours on any day except judicial holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and except as authorized pursuant to Section 68115. The notification shall include the scope of the closure or reduction in hours, and the financial constraints or other reasons that make the closure or reduction necessary.

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Legislative history

Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 41, Sec. 22. (SB 1021) Effective June 27, 2012.