California AB1544: Court proceedings: media access.

What the bill says

An act to amend Section 124 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts. courts Court proceedings: media access. The California Constitution vests the judicial power of the state in the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, and superior courts. Existing law requires the sittings of every court to be public, except as authorized. This bill would bar a judicial officer, peace officer, or other law enforcement officer from prohibiting a member of the press or public from accessing court proceedings that are open to the public…

From the chaptered text, September 27, 2026:

An act to amend Section 124 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts. courts Court proceedings: media access. The California Constitution vests the judicial power of the state in the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, and superior courts. Existing law requires the sittings of every court to be public, except as authorized. This bill would bar a judicial officer, peace officer, or other law enforcement officer from prohibiting a member of the press or public from accessing court proceedings that are open to the public. The bill would authorize a violation of that provision to be subject to civil penalties, as specified. MAJORITY NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 124 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read: 124. (a) Except as provided in Section 214 of the Family Code or any other law, the sittings of every court shall be public. (b) (1) The court shall not exclude the public from physical access because remote access is available, unless it is necessary to restrict or limit physical access to protect the health or safety of the public or court personnel. (2) When a courthouse is physically closed, to the extent permitted by law, the court shall provide, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Maggy Krell (D, AD06) · primary sponsor
• Mark González (D, AD54)