CA SB1356

Requires the Judicial Council to consider the role of gender in court proceedings when developing gender bias training for judges and subordinate judicial officers.

Training must include strategies to counter gender stereotypes, address inequities in power and their intersection with gender, and meet the needs of litigants in vulnerable situations.

Makes legislative findings that gender-based discrimination and violence intersect with the rule of law, citing statistics on incarcerated women, wage gaps, employment discrimination, and sexual harassment charges.

Declares that courts have a responsibility to account for how power and gender relations may influence cases to ensure effective access to justice and equity in the judicial system.

Approved by Governor on August 19, 2024, and became effective as Chapter 187.