Courts: video trial pilot program: infractions.

Existing law, the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act, requires the Judicial Council to adopt standards of timely disposition for the processing and disposition of civil and criminal actions. The act requires each superior court to establish a delay reduction program for limited civil cases in consultation with the local bar that is consistent with the act, and authorizes the Judicial Council to adopt procedures, standards, or policies for a delay reduction program for limited civil cases in superior courts on a statewide basis that are consistent with the act. Existing law provides that a traffic referee has the same jurisdiction, and may exercise the same powers and duties, as a judge of the court with respect to any infraction. Existing law authorizes the court to order any person convicted of a traffic violation to attend a licensed traffic violator school, as specified. This bill would authorize the Superior Court of Fresno County to establish a 3-year pilot program to permit trials and proceedings to be conducted using remote 2-way video trials for traffic infractions and any infraction violation of compulsory attendance laws by a parent or guardian. The bill would require the Judicial Council to report its findings on the pilot program, including its recommendations as to whether the program should be expanded throughout the state, to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2016.