On January 1, 2013, Assembly Bill 1875 became effective. It adds Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.290, which limits depositions of any person in California state court proceedings to seven hours. Parties can, of course, stipulate or move the Court to take longer depositions. There are also several major exceptions: depositions of experts under CCP §§ 2034.210 – 2034.310; cases designated as complex; cases brought by employees or job applicants against employers for acts or omissions arising out of or relating to the employment relationship; and depositions of persons most qualified. In addition, any party who has appeared in the action after the deposition has concluded may notice another deposition subject to the 7-hour limit. The new law will make deposition-taking in California similar to federal practice under Rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP).

Go to AB 1875