Sexually violent predators: open court proceedings.

Existing law provides for the civil commitment of criminal offenders who have been determined to be sexually violent predators for treatment in a secure state hospital facility, as specified. Existing law requires the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to refer a prisoner for evaluation by the State Department of State Hospitals when the secretary determines that the person may be a sexually violent predator and specifies the judicial processes necessary for civil commitment as a sexually violent predator, including, but not limited to, the right to a jury trial. This bill would require that proceedings for the civil commitment of a sexually violent predator be in open court, on the record, unless the court makes certain express findings, including that there exists an overriding interest, based on compelling and extraordinary circumstances, that overcomes the right of public access to the proceedings. The bill requires that there be 10 days' notice to all parties in a proceeding before the closure.