CA AB1582

Requires courts to permit parties and their attorneys to appear by telephone at specified civil case conferences, hearings, and proceedings, rather than merely permitting such appearances at the court's discretion.

Expands eligible proceedings for telephone appearances to include case management conferences, discovery motions, ex parte hearings, demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and 20 other specified motions and hearings in general civil cases.

Allows courts to require in-person appearances on a case-by-case basis if the court determines that personal attendance would materially assist in determining the proceedings or managing the case.

Extends the deadline for the Judicial Council to adopt rules governing telephone appearances from January 1, 2008 to July 1, 2013, including rules for notice procedures and conditions for telephone participation.

States the intent to improve court access, reduce litigation costs, and reduce environmental impacts associated with in-person appearances.