Advocating for Survivor Justice: California SB 662
Urgent call to action: we need your help!
Survivors in court need to have a record of what happens in court. Senate Bill 662 allows electronic recording when a court reporter is not available. Right now, no court reporter means no record! If the bill is not voted out of committee, it will die!
When: Monday, January 8, 2023 - Friday, January 12th
How: Create an account/Log in and submit a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee &/or write a letter via email/prepare to call directly (use the contact info below)
What to Write/Say:
I am a parent/advocate in _________ County. I encourage you to SUPPORT SB 662 the Court Record bill by Senator Rubio. It is a common sense response to a crisis that puts survivors at risk of further harm.
The lack of court reporters in California courts affects the safety and rights of survivors of domestic violence. Optional: This crisis has directly impacted me/my community/my family. As an example: ____________________________________
(Consider any of these situations, or any impact that you are aware of)
I decided to have a hearing with no court reporter, even though it would have been better to have a record
My friend could not appeal because there was no court reporter for a hearing or trial. This case involved ___________
I was entitled to a free court reporter, but one was not available, and I had to make the difficult choice of whether to go ahead or wait
A court reporter did not show up or showed up late and delayed proceedings
Survivors of domestic violence rely on courts for critical orders to protect them and their families including restraining orders, child custody and visitation orders, spousal and child support orders, orders declaring debt was caused by domestic abuse, and many others. Court reporters are not required to be at these hearings. However, a record of what happens at these hearings is necessary to have orders enforced by law enforcement and the courts, to challenge wrong or dangerous orders, and because these cases often last years in the courts. Electronic recording works and we already use it in evictions, small claims, criminal misdemeanors, and infractions cases. The technology is there now and justice demands we use it. We also need to hold courts accountable to recruit, hire and retain court reporters. SB 662 does both!
Contact Information for Emails or Calls:
Anthony Portantino, Chair
Capitol Office (916) 651-4025
Aaron Skaggs, Chief of Staff aaron.skaggs@sen.ca.gov,
cc Tara McGee, Legislative Director tara.mcgee@sen.ca.gov
If constituent, Glendale Office (818) 409-0400
San Dimas Office (909) 599-7351
Brian Jones, Vice Chair
Capitol Office, (916) 651-4040
Craig Wilson, Chief of Staff craig.wilson@sen.ca.gov
If constituent, San Diego Office (858) 547-3818
Senate Leadership
ProTem Toni Atkins
Capitol Office (916) 651-4039
if constituent, San Diego Office (619) 688-6700
Nick Hardeman, Chief of Staff nick.hardeman@sen.ca.gov
cc Kimberly Rodriguez, Policy Director kimberly.rodriguez@sen.ca.gov
Click here to find your legislator.
