California's Assembly has taken a significant step towards improving access to justice with the passage of Assembly Bill 882, introduced by Assemblymember Pappen. This bill addresses the pressing shortage of certified court reporters, which has left many litigants without a verbatim record of their civil proceedings.

During the Assembly Floor Session on June 4, 2025, Assemblymember Pappen highlighted the dilemma facing the courts: whether to allow electronic recording as a temporary solution or risk denying litigants any record of their proceedings. AB 882 will permit courts to implement electronic recording, ensuring that a record is available, especially for those who cannot afford to hire a court reporter.

The bill has undergone revisions to broaden its applicability to all civil proceedings and to streamline the notice requirement for litigants requesting a record from five days to just one. This change aims to enhance accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales expressed support for the bill, noting its innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced in rural communities where hiring certified reporters can be particularly difficult.

With a vote tally of 46 in favor and only 3 against, AB 882 has passed, marking a crucial advancement in California's judicial system. The Assembly is set to reconvene for further discussions on June 5, 2025, as they continue to address legislative priorities and the needs of their constituents.