California AB1544 amends court proceedings to ensure public access to physical and remote court sittings.

California AB1544 modifies the Code of Civil Procedure to ensure that court proceedings remain accessible to the public. It mandates that courts cannot exclude the public from physical access if remote access is available, unless it is necessary for health or safety reasons. When courthouses are closed, courts must provide a public audio stream or telephonic access to the proceedings. The bill also prohibits officers from barring members of the press or the public from entering court facilities unless necessary for maintaining order. Violations may incur civil penalties.

California AB1544 amends court proceedings to ensure public access to physical and remote court sittings.

California AB1544 modifies the Code of Civil Procedure to ensure that court proceedings remain accessible to the public. It mandates that courts cannot exclude the public from physical access if remote access is available, unless it is necessary for health or safety reasons. When courthouses are closed, courts must provide a public audio stream or telephonic access to the proceedings. The bill also prohibits officers from barring members of the press or the public from entering court facilities unless necessary for maintaining order. Violations may incur civil penalties.