CA SB538

Courts must permit electronic filing of domestic violence and gun violence restraining order petitions by July 1, 2023, available during and after normal business hours with same deadlines as in-person filings.

Each county's superior court must develop and post local rules and instructions for electronic filing on its website, and provide a staffed telephone number (responding within one business day) for public inquiries about electronic filing.

Parties and witnesses may appear remotely at hearings on domestic violence and gun violence restraining order petitions, with each county court developing local rules and posting them online.

Each county court must provide and post a telephone number for assistance with remote appearances, staffed starting 30 minutes before the court session begins and during the session.

No filing fees are permitted for any filings related to domestic violence restraining orders or gun violence restraining orders, including applications, responsive pleadings, orders to show cause, subpoenas, and related filings.