(a) Each superior court shall establish a delay reduction program for limited civil cases in consultation with the local bar that is consistent with the provisions of this article. In its discretion, the Judicial Council may assist in the development of, or may develop and adopt, any or all procedures, standards, or policies for a delay reduction program for limited civil cases in superior courts on a statewide basis which are consistent with the provisions of the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act.
(b) Actions and proceedings subject to the provisions of Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 116.110) of Title 1 of Part 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure or provisions of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1159) of Title 3 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure may not be assigned to or governed by the provisions of any delay reduction program established pursuant to this section.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the civil discovery in actions and proceedings subject to a program established pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 90) of Chapter 5.1 of Title 1 of Part 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall be governed by the times and procedures specified in that article. Civil discovery in these actions and proceedings is not affected by the provisions of any delay reduction program adopted pursuant to this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 149, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 2004.)