Trial: statement of decision.

Assembly Member Pacheco's civil procedure reform measure revises how California superior courts issue and process statements of decision in civil trials, replacing the current system of post-trial requests with a requirement that parties submit requests before matters are submitted for decision. The legislation mandates that these requests be made in writing or recorded orally when official transcription is available, while requiring courts to serve their written decisions on all trial participants.

The bill establishes a formal objection process allowing parties to challenge statements of decision within 10 days of service, with courts retaining discretion to hold hearings on these objections. For cases where parties request statements of decision, court clerks would have 30 days after the statement becomes final to enter judgment, rather than entering judgment immediately upon the court's decision. The measure also authorizes courts to issue written decisions without party requests and to direct parties to prepare draft statements within specified timeframes.

To implement these changes, the Judicial Council must develop standardized forms for requesting statements of decision and create accompanying materials explaining the new procedures and timelines. The council must also modify court rules to align with the revised requirements for both requesting and processing these judicial statements.