California Legislature Passes Bill to Curb Questionable Legal Claims

Current state law has allowed claimants to bypass standard agency forms by submitting unverified written claims, a loophole that critics argue encourages frivolous lawsuits. AB 2529 mandates that all claims against public entities include a formal declaration of truth, aligning the process with private sector standards. By enforcing this uniform requirement, the legislation seeks to protect taxpayers from the costs associated with settlements driven by litigation leverage rather than legal merit.

Assemblymember Natasha Johnson authored the bill, which gained momentum through a coalition including the California Contract Cities Association and PRISM. Hidden Hills Councilmember Laura McCorkindale described the bill as a necessary step toward transparency, noting that insurers often advise settlements simply to avoid the rising costs of court defense. While the bill does not alter substantive law or restrict access to the courts, supporters believe it provides a vital filter for the earliest stage of the claims process. This legislative success builds on a history of policy innovation in Hidden Hills, which previously pioneered strict local ordinances regarding fire safety and equipment usage during high-risk weather events.