CJAC Statement on Public Entity Tort Reform Deal

Media Contact:
Nick Mirman
nick@cmpublicaffairs.com

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 28, 2026) — Jaime Huff, President and CEO of the Civil Justice Association of California, today released the following statement after legislative leadership announced a deal on public entity tort reform:

“The deal announced last night puts some common sense back into a system where questionable claims and runaway litigation costs have drained billions from schools, local governments and taxpayers.

“But Californians are paying a lawsuit tax on nearly everything they buy and every public service they use. If lawmakers are serious about making California more affordable, this deal should be the start of a much broader conversation surrounding tort reform - not the finish line.”

Legislative leadership last night announced a deal between the consumer attorneys and some of the organizations representing California’s public agencies. The bill (SB 577 – Laird) will strengthen claim screening, crack down on bad-faith lawsuits and make sure public agencies pay only their fair share - not everyone else’s.