(a) To the extent that a memorandum of understanding for trial court employees designates certain days as unpaid furlough days for employees assigned to regular positions in the superior court, the court may not be in session on those days except as ordered by the presiding judge. On these furlough days, if the court clerk’s office is not open to the public, each court shall permit documents to be filed at a drop box pursuant to subdivision (b). If the court is not in session on a furlough day, an appropriate judicial officer shall be available to conduct arraignments and examinations as required pursuant to § 825 of the Penal Code, and to sign any necessary documents on an emergency basis.

(b) A drop box shall provide for an automated, official time and date stamping mechanism or other means of determining the actual date on which a document was deposited in the drop box.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 149, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2004.)