Federal Courts District Updates: January 2023

Proposed Changes to Federal Rules

On June 7, 2022, the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure approved publication of proposed amendments to the following Federal Rules:

• Civil Rule 12 (time to serve a responsive pleading)
• Evidence Rules 611 (illustrative aids), 613 (impeachment by prior inconsistent statement), 801 (hearsay exception for statement of a party opponent), 804 (hearsay exception for declarations against interest), and 1006 (summaries)
• Appellate Rules 32 (form of papers), 35 (en-banc determination), 40 (petition for panel rehearing), and Appendix on Length Limits
• Bankruptcy Rules 1007 (Lists, Schedules, Statements, and Other Documents; Time Limits), 4004 (Grant or Denial of Discharge), 5009 (Closing Chapter 7, 12, 13, and 15 Cases), 7001, 9006 (computing and extending  time), and proposed new Rule 8023.1 (substitution of parties)

Public comments are due on February 16, 2023.  (Notice.)

Southern District of California

Local Rules Changes: On December 30, 2022, the amendments to Civil Local Rule 7.1 came into effect. The amendments relate to the time for hearing and filing papers in social security cases. (General Order No. 747.)

Central District of California

Covid-19 Update – Rescission of the Court’s COVID-19 Incident Response Protocol and Amended Policy Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing: On December 1, 2022, the Court announced it was rescinding its contract tracing program and policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination and testing, effective immediately.  Employees, volunteers, and onsite contractors are still encouraged to follow CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 precautions.  (Notice.)

Santa Ana Courthouse Construction – There are street and sidewalk closures around the Ronald Reagan Federal Building & Courthouse due to the OC Streetcar Construction Project.  There will still be pedestrian access during construction. (Construction Updates.)

Eastern District of California

The Court appointed Michael Gomez, Lee Bickley and Chris Lisieski as lawyer delegates to serve as Lawyer Representatives to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, and appointed Mark A. Zimmerman as a member-at-large of the Judicial Advisory Committee of the Eastern District of California.

Northern District of California

Judicial Appointments – The Court selected Peter H. Kang to fill the magistrate judgeship in March 2023, when Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero transitions to recall status. (Notice).