Trial: statement of decision.

The bill text was re-presented from an official chaptered document format (with page numbers, centered headers, and formal layout) to a web page interface that includes site navigation, version history dropdowns, a digest key, and share/track links. The underlying statutory language in Sections 632 and 664 is unchanged.

Added a two-phase structure: temporary amendments to Sections 632 and 664 that expire on January 1, 2027, followed by new permanent sections operative on January 1, 2027. The bill's overall operative date is now January 1, 2027.

The temporary Section 632 changes the deadline for requesting a statement of decision: parties may now request one within 10 days after the court announces a tentative decision (unless the trial concluded in one day or less than eight hours, in which case the request must still be made before submission for decision). The permanent version reverts to requiring the request prior to submission for decision.

The temporary Section 632 adds a new provision allowing any party to make proposals as to the content of the statement of decision after a party has requested it. This does not appear in the permanent version.

The temporary Section 664 simplifies judgment entry for court trials: judgment must be entered immediately upon filing of the court's decision, removing the 30-day windows tied to whether a statement of decision was requested. The permanent Section 664 restores the 30-day framework.

The bill title changed from 'amend Sections 632 and 664' to 'amend, repeal, and add Sections 632 and 664' to reflect the new structure of temporary amendments followed by permanent additions.

The Judicial Council's form requirement was changed in the temporary section from preparing 'a form...as well as an accompanying information sheet that includes guidance on deadlines' to preparing 'forms that a party may use to request a statement of decision and that explain the requirements.' The permanent section retains the original single-form-plus-information-sheet language.

Section 632(h)(2) changed from requiring the Judicial Council to prepare 'a form' plus 'an accompanying information sheet that includes guidance on deadlines, when and how a statement of decision may be requested, and other requirements' to requiring the Council to prepare 'forms that a party may use to request a statement of decision and that explain the requirements prescribed by this section.' This consolidates two deliverables into one broader requirement and removes specific content mandates for the information sheet.

The deadline for requesting a statement of decision changed from 'within 10 days after the court announces a tentative decision' (with a pre-submission requirement only for short trials) to requiring the request in ALL cases to be made before the matter is submitted for decision. This closes the window for late requests after a tentative ruling.

A new option allows a party to make the request orally if there is an official record of the proceeding being transcribed, rather than requiring it in writing in all circumstances.

The provision allowing any party to 'make proposals as to the content of the statement of decision' after a request was made has been deleted.

The court's authority to order a party to prepare a draft statement of decision is now conditioned on a party having actually requested one, and the court may order 'a party or parties' (plural) rather than just a single party.

The Judicial Council is now required to prepare a standard form for requesting a statement of decision along with an information sheet providing guidance on deadlines and procedures.

New language clarifies that 'the statement of decision need not summarize all evidence admitted at trial,' setting a lower bar for the level of detail required.

A new subdivision allows courts in Family Code actions to shorten any time limits prescribed by the section by written order upon a finding of good cause, giving family law judges flexibility to move cases faster.

The finality rule for amended statements of decision was clarified: the statement (including any amended version) becomes final upon issuance of the court's ruling, unless otherwise stated in the statement itself.

Section 664 was reorganized so that jury trial judgment entry (within 24 hours) is separated from bench trial judgment entry (30-day framework). The old 'immediately upon filing' language for court trials was removed and replaced with the structured 30-day deadlines.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating a state fiscal impact was identified in the Senate version.

The timing requirement for requesting a statement of decision was changed. Previously, parties had 10 days after a tentative decision (or before submission for short trials). The amended bill requires the request to be made in writing before the matter is submitted for decision in all bench trials.

A new requirement that the written statement of decision must be served on all parties who appeared at trial was added (subdivision b).

A new objection procedure was added: any party may file objections within 10 days after service of the statement of decision. The court may hold a hearing, and if objections are not ruled upon they are deemed overruled and the statement becomes final after 30 days (subdivision e).

The court is now authorized to issue a written statement of decision even if no party requested one, and may order a party to prepare a draft statement of decision within a specified time period (subdivisions c and d).

The Judicial Council is directed to adopt or amend all rules of court necessary to implement the new provisions (subdivision h).

A new proposed judgment procedure was added: the court may prepare or order a party to prepare a proposed judgment before or after the statement of decision is final, with a 10-day objection period (subdivision f).

The bill now also amends Section 664 of the Code of Civil Procedure. For bench trials, the clerk must enter judgment within 30 days after filing of the court's decision, or within 30 days after the statement of decision becomes final if one was requested. This replaces the prior requirement to enter judgment immediately upon filing.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating the bill now requires fiscal committee review, likely due to the expanded scope and new procedural obligations.