CA SB794

Modifies peremptory challenge limits in criminal cases for offenses punishable by a maximum of one year or less imprisonment: defendant and state each receive 5 challenges (down from 6) until January 1, 2017

For jointly tried defendants in cases with offenses punishable by one year or less: each defendant receives 2 additional separate challenges (down from 4), with state receiving equal additional challenges, until January 1, 2017

Maintains existing peremptory challenge rules for capital offenses (20 challenges each for defendant and people) and other offenses (10 challenges each for defendant and state)

Creates two versions of Section 231: amended version effective until January 1, 2017, and replacement version effective January 1, 2017 that reverts challenge limits to 90 days or less for reduced challenges

Unless extended by later statute, the reduced challenge provisions automatically expire and revert to the original 90-day threshold on January 1, 2017