CA AB1834

Authorizes superior courts to use electronic recording equipment in family law cases when official court reporters or pro tempore reporters are unavailable, in addition to existing authorization for limited civil cases and misdemeanor/infraction cases

Requires electronic recordings to include all testimony, objections, court rulings, exceptions, arraignments, pleas, sentences, attorney arguments, and judicial instructions

Permits courts to use electronic recording equipment to monitor performance of subordinate judicial officers, hearing officers, and temporary judges with prior notice to the officer and litigants, with recordings destroyed after two years unless a personnel matter is pending

Requires courts to obtain advance Judicial Council approval before purchasing or leasing electronic recording equipment, and prohibits use of such equipment for unofficial records or judicial notetaking