Civil actions: appearance by electronic means.

Existing law regulates the procedure of civil actions and permits a party who has provided notice to appear by telephone at specified conferences, hearings, and proceedings, in a general civil case, defined as all civil cases except probate, guardianship, conservatorship, juvenile, and family law proceedings. This bill would permit a party who has provided notice to appear by electronic means that provide remote access to a conference, hearing, or proceeding in all civil cases, as specified. The bill would require the Judicial Council to adopt rules and establish fees effectuating the policies and provisions made by this act no later than July 1, 2019, and would also make conforming changes to other provisions of law.