CA SB1023

Requires all civil commitment proceedings for sexually violent predators to be held in open court and on the record as the default procedure.

Permits courtroom closure only when the court makes express findings that an overriding interest based on compelling and extraordinary circumstances overcomes the public's right to access, with psychological treatment discussions alone not constituting such circumstances.

Requires courts to make closure findings prior to any closure in open court and mandates at least 10 calendar days' notice to all parties before any proposed closure.

Limits any closure to be narrowly tailored to only the portion of proceedings where compelling circumstances exist and requires courts to apply the least restrictive means available.

Makes courtroom closure decisions reviewable by writ of mandate and restricts sealing of proceeding records to compliance with California Rules of Court.