CA SB645

Extends indefinitely the prohibition on applying enhanced peremptory challenge protections to most civil cases, which was previously set to expire January 1, 2026

Applies the anti-discrimination peremptory challenge rules to specific civil cases: civil rights violations (including Tom Bane Act, Unruh Act, Section 1983, Title VI, Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act, and FEHA claims), civil commitment proceedings, and hate crime damage cases

Requires parties bringing qualifying civil rights claims to notify the court and opposing parties after the final status conference, or at least 15 calendar days before trial, that these procedures apply

Limits courts' consideration of past disproportionate use of peremptory challenges by counsel's office to cases where the office is a public entity

Maintains existing protections prohibiting peremptory challenges based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or religious affiliation in criminal cases and specified civil cases