Dependency proceedings: public access.

Existing law provides that the public shall not be admitted to a juvenile court hearing in a dependency proceeding, unless requested by a parent or guardian and consented to or requested by the minor concerning whom the petition has been filed. Existing law permits the judge or referee to admit those persons as he or she deems to have a direct and legitimate interest in the particular case or the work of the court. This bill would require, contingent upon the securing of private funding, the Judicial Council to establish a 4-year pilot project in 3 counties to create a presumption that juvenile court hearings in juvenile dependency cases be open to the public, unless the court finds that admitting the public would not be in a child's best interest, as provided. The bill would require the Judicial Council to contract with an independent organization to conduct an evaluation and prepare a report to the Legislature regarding the results of the pilot project, as specified. The bill would also include a related statement of legislative findings and declarations.