Motions: filing and service requirements.

Assembly Member Connolly's civil procedure reform bill clarifies electronic service requirements in California courts, establishing that electronic delivery of legal documents does not trigger extended notice periods that apply to traditional service methods.

The legislation modifies notice requirements for motions in civil actions, including summary judgment and judgment on the pleadings. Under current law, parties must provide 81 days' notice before hearings on these motions, with additional days required when using methods like overnight delivery or fax. The bill specifies that electronic service does not require these extensions, streamlining the timeline for electronically filed documents.

Starting July 1, 2025, courts must electronically serve documents in cases where electronic service is either mandatory or has been authorized by consent. The bill maintains existing protections for unrepresented parties, who remain exempt from mandatory electronic filing requirements. It also preserves current rules requiring service by certified or registered mail for specific documents.

The amendments define key terms related to electronic service, including "electronic transmission" and "electronic notification," while establishing that electronic service completed between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59:59 p.m. on a court day is considered served that day. Documents served electronically on non-court days are deemed served the next court day.