Commissioners: criminal proceedings in the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino.

Existing law authorizes a presiding judge of a court to direct a commissioner to perform duties and exercise authority relating to certain criminal proceedings, including, among others, conducting arraignment proceedings and issuing and signing bench warrants. This bill would, until January 1, 2021, expand the authority of a presiding judge of a superior court located within the County of Riverside or the County of San Bernardino, if certain conditions are met, to direct a commissioner to perform specified duties and exercise authority in criminal proceedings. The bill would require the Judicial Council to report to the Governor and Legislature on this expanded authority, as specified. The bill also makes legislative findings and declarations in support of its provisions. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the superior courts located within the County of Riverside and the County of San Bernardino.