CA SB1146

Requires parties represented by counsel to accept electronic service of documents that may be served by mail, express mail, overnight delivery, or facsimile transmission, and to electronically serve other parties upon request with an electronic service address.

Allows deposition officers to attend depositions remotely via electronic means at the election of the deponent or deposing party, and permits parties and attorneys to attend depositions remotely rather than being physically present at the deponent's location.

Extends discovery deadlines, expert witness exchange deadlines, mandatory settlement conference deadlines, and summary judgment motion deadlines for the same length of time as any trial continuance or postponement during the COVID-19 state of emergency proclaimed on March 4, 2020, and for 180 days thereafter.

Requires electronic filing and service systems to comply with federal accessibility standards (Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 at Level AA success criteria.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute necessary for court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.