Judges and court leaders tell Assembly remote hearings broaden access; lawmakers weigh extension

Judicial Council officials and local bench leaders told the Assembly subcommittee that remote court proceedings, adopted during the pandemic, have become a daily part of California's court operations and materially improved access to justice for many Californians. Jessica Devonsenzi, policy and research director for the Judicial Council, said courts have held more than 6 million remote proceedings since March 2022 and recorded roughly 1.75 million remote hearings in the most recent reporting period.

"Every day thousands of court users were able to avoid taking time off from work, arranging childcare or traveling long distances to attend court proceedings," Devonsenzi said, adding that ~95% of respondents reported a positive experience. Presiding Judge Rod Cortez of San Bernardino County described remote appearances as "a critical and permanent pathway to justice" for residents who would otherwise face multi-hour, one-way travel to appear in court, juveniles with medical vulnerabilities, military parents stationed overseas, and victims of domestic violence.

Committee members including Assemblymember Schulz and Vice Chair (Assemblymember) Lackey praised the access benefits but pressed witnesses on the policy choice ahead: whether the temporary authority permitting remote proceedings (set to expire at year'end) should be extended or made permanent and whether the judicial budget includes sufficient technology investments. Finance and Judicial Council staff said the governor's budget maintains ongoing funding for remote access infrastructure but the Legislature will need to weigh policy trade-offs, oversight and varied local capacity.

Members asked the administration for timelines and cost estimates for a possible extension; LAO staff said they had no May revise proposal yet. The subcommittee requested follow-up on cost and oversight options ahead of May budget milestones.