(a) (1) This section applies to proceedings in the following matters: (A) Judicial commitments under Part 2 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, except for delinquency proceedings. (B) Involuntary treatment and conservatorships of gravely disabled persons under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5000), Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 5150), and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5350) of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, including Murphy conservatorships. (C) Contempt proceedings under Title 5 (commencing with Section 1209) of Part 3 of this code. (D) Mentally disordered offender proceedings under Article 4 (commencing with Section 2960) of Chapter 7 of Title 1 of Part 3 of the Penal Code. (E) Commitment proceedings under Section 1026, et seq. of the Penal Code. (F) Competency proceedings under Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 1367) of Title 10 of Part 2 of the Penal Code. (G) Placement and revocation proceedings pursuant to Section 1600 et seq. of the Penal Code. (H) Involuntary medication and treatment hearings for individuals committed or awaiting admission to a State Department of State Hospitals facility as described in Section 4100 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (2) This section does not apply to proceedings in matters brought pursuant to Sections 601 and 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (b) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) âPersonâ means the person subject to any proceeding in matters described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (2) âProceedingâ or âproceedingsâ includes, but is not limited to, all hearings, conferences, and trials in matters described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (3) âRemote technologyâ means technology that provides for the two-way transmission of video and audio signals except that audio signals alone may be permitted where specifically authorized by law. Remote technology shall include, but not be limited to, a computer, tablet, telephone, cellular telephone, or other electronic or communications device. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to subdivision (h), the person subject to the proceeding, in consultation with counsel if represented, may, at their request, participate through audio-only technology. (c) Proceedings in matters arising under subdivision (a) may be conducted through the use of remote technology subject to the following: (1) A person has the right to be physically present for all proceedings and shall not be required to appear through the use of remote technology. (2) A person may waive their right to be physically present and may elect to appear remotely. (3) Except as provided in subdivisions (d), (e), and (h), a party, counsel for a party, or witness may appear through the use of remote technology. (4) The confidentiality requirements that apply to inperson proceedings shall apply with equal force and effect when conducted through the use of remote technology. (d) If the person is physically present in court the following shall apply: (1) Absent exceptional circumstances and except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), counsel for the person, counsel for the other party or parties, the other party or parties, and the judicial officer shall be physically present in the courtroom. (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) and paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 1370 of the Penal Code, absent a waiver by the person or a finding of good cause by the court, any witness the other party or parties calls shall be physically present in the courtroom. In determining whether good cause exists to excuse the physical presence of a witness, the court shall consider the distance the witness must travel, the nature of the testimony, and the nature of the proceeding. (3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), counsel and witnesses for the State Department of Developmental Services shall not be required to be physically
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