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In the wake of wildfires that devastated parts of California’s Wine Country last October, nearly 100 civil lawsuits were filed against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. alleging the utility had a role in sparking the blaze. The answer to this influx was civil case coordination.

 A pilot program that funds free legal services for low-income Californians facing critical civil cases drastically increased the likelihood of settlement, improved the longevity of court orders, and reduced court costs, a new study shows.

The Judicial Council at its November 29–30 meeting approved changes to rules of court that govern appointed counsel in death penalty appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.

The Judicial Council approved a revision to emergency rule 9 regarding the statutes of limitations for filing civil cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to clarify that the emergency rule also applies to “statutes of repose”.

The council's latest temporary emergency rule requires attorneys to electronically serve and receive notices and documents in all general civil actions and family and probate proceedings when requested to do so.

At its public meeting on December 16 in Sacramento, the Judicial Council approved changes to the California Rules of Court to standardize and improve court procedures―and notice of those procedures―to defendants in infraction cases.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye directs immediate council action on four recommendations from the Futures Commission.

Council also approves expansion of an online pilot program enabling low-income litigants to request reductions in traffic infraction fines and fees remotely

Council will also receive reports on the branch’s ability-to-pay program, self-help centers, and voice-to-text language services

At its Jan. 17 meeting, the Judicial Council will receive a final report on a three-year grant for 39 collaborative courts and pretrial programs that tracked retention, recidivism, and failure to appear rates for participating defendants.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a state budget on Wednesday that will help restore court services slashed during the recession, fund courthouse projects, and improve access to justice for millions of Californians.