The Governor has signed into law a bill by a South Coast legislator which will make it easier for the public, and the news media, to have virtual access to court proceedings.
AB 716 requires courts to provide virtual or telephone access to open court activity.
Democratic Assemblyman Steve Bennett of Ventura authored the legislation. Bennett says the pandemic showed the need to provide more options for access to court proceedings. He says the bill also creates more transparency in government.
The legislation doesn’t limit a judge’s ability to hold closed hearings if it’s deemed necessary.
