CA AB2073

Orange County Superior Court may establish a pilot project until July 1, 2014 requiring parties to electronically file and serve documents in specified civil actions, subject to Judicial Council rules and conditions.

Judicial Council must evaluate any pilot project and report to the Legislature by December 31, 2013 on results, including cost to participants, court cost-effectiveness, and impact on unrepresented parties.

Judicial Council must adopt uniform rules by July 1, 2014 to permit mandatory electronic filing and service in specified civil actions statewide, informed by pilot project findings.

Superior courts may require mandatory electronic filing after Judicial Council adopts uniform rules, provided courts maintain electronic records, offer multiple filing providers or direct court access, and have procedures to prevent hardship to unrepresented parties.

Electronic service is complete upon transmission or when notification is sent, with a two-court-day extension for responding to documents, except for notices of appeal, motions for new trial, or motions to vacate judgment.