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Judicial Branch Technology | AB 716 Remote Public Access Implementation Outcomes
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Summary
This report summarizes the significant progress the trial courts have made in implementing Assembly Bill 716, which requires courts to provide public audio access to courtroom proceedings when courthouses are physically closed. It presents information the Judicial Council collected from trial courts on the use of one-time funding of $66.4 million provided through the Budget Act of 2022 to upgrade courtroom audio and video systems. Through a two-year effort, 1,171 courtrooms have been modernized, and projects are underway in another 210 courtrooms. This report highlights key outcomes and direct feedback from participating courts, including improved accessibility, reduced disruption, and cost savings and operational efficiencies.