2013 Legal Reform Legislation at a Glance

The following information from FoxandHoundsdaily.com is provided by Tom Scott, executive director of California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA). Scott notes, "The deadline for new bills in California’s legislature was February 23rd and we can now see some of the legislation related to legal reform that legislators have introduced." Scott points out that CALA is strictly a grassroots, nonpartisan, educational, nonprofit organization. They aren’t lobbyists, but do take positions on legislation and want people to know what is being debated in Sacramento when it comes to legal reform issues.

AB 223 (Olsen) – This bill would allow local governments 30 or 60 days to correct an ADA violation before an ADA lawsuit against them could move forward.

AB 227 (Gatto) – This bill would allow anyone who receives a notice that alleges a violation of the warning requirements of Proposition 65 to correct the violation within 14 days after receiving that notice. The bill would prohibit a fine if the defendant demonstrates to the appropriate enforcement bodies that the violation has been corrected. 

AB 748 (Eggeman) – This bill would provide that the interest on the amount of a judgment or settlement against the state will not exceed 7% annually, as opposed to the 10% currently mandated by law.

SB 737 (Huff) – This bill would an allow an appeal of an order granting or denying class action certification if the petition to appeal is filed within 14 days of the entry of the order.

These are just a few of the bills that CALA will be tracking during the 2013-14 legislative session.

"The good thing is that just by looking at the list of bill sponsors, one can see that legal reform is a bipartisan effort. It should be. Trial lawyers do not check people’s party affiliation before they sue," Scott states. "To make change, you need to get involved and make your voice heard. Taking action with CALA is one way, but remember to call or meet with your legislators. It is important that they hear from you. Enacting common sense legal reforms like those listed above is critical to improving California’s business climate and creating jobs."