Effective July 1, 2025, multiple new laws and amendments to court rules will impact California’s legal system. Here are the key changes:
Judicial Council
Rule Amendments
The Judicial Council of California adopted new and amended Rules of Court on April 25, 2025, which will become effective on July 1, 2025. These rules pertain to various aspects of court administration and procedures. While too lengthy to list here, for detailed information, you can refer to the official Judicial Council website.
Forms
There are several updates to Judicial Council forms, which can be found by going here:
Legislative Updates, Effective July 1, 2025
The following legislative changes aim to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and accessibility of California’s legal system.
Court Procedures and Legal System Reforms
Competency Determinations (SB 1323): Courts are now permitted to make competency determinations based on written evaluations by licensed psychologists or psychiatrists. Additionally, courts may refer incompetent defendants charged with felonies to mental health diversion programs.
Collaborative Justice Courts (SB 910): Treatment courts in California are required to operate in accordance with state and national guidelines. The Judicial Council is mandated to revise drug court standards of administration by January 1, 2026.
Youth Court Referrals (SB 1005): Probation officers can refer offenses to youth courts (with consent from the youth and family) instead of filing a petition to declare the youth as a dependent or ward of the court.
Veterans Court Diversion (SB 1025): Felony offenses will be added to pretrial diversion programs in veterans courts.
Family Law and Custody
Child Custody and Firearms: Courts are now required to consider a parent’s illegal access to firearms and ammunition when assessing immediate harm to a child in custody cases. This includes possession in violation of state or federal law, restraining orders, protective orders, injunctions, or probation or parole conditions.
Artificial Intelligence in Employment
AI Regulations: The California Civil Rights Council adopted final regulations regarding automated decision-making systems in employment. Employers must now ensure that AI systems used in hiring, firing, promotion, and other employment decisions are tested for bias and do not result in discrimination. Employers are also required to maintain AI-related records for four years.
Categorized in: Legal Procedure
| << previous | next >> |