(a) Except as provided in § 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.

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(2) When a courthouse is physically closed, to the extent permitted by law, the court shall provide, at a minimum, a public audio stream or telephonic means by which to listen to the proceedings. This paragraph does not apply to proceedings pursuant to § 214 of the Family Code or other law that authorizes or requires a proceeding to be closed.

(3) For purposes of this subdivision, “remote access” shall include, but is not limited to, an audio stream that is available on an internet website or telephonic means to listen to a court proceeding.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 526, Sec. 3. (AB 716) Effective January 1, 2022.)