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California passes SB 577 on sexual abuse litigation
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2026-08-28 09:37 UTC → 2026-08-31 04:27 UTC ·
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California passes SB 577 on sexual assault lawsuit legislation abuse litigation
California lawmakers have reached passed Senate Bill 577, a legislative compromise regarding lawsuits filed by survivors measure addressing the financial impact of childhood sexual assault at abuse lawsuits on public institutions. The agreement legislation, authored by Senator John Laird, rejects proposals to cap the amount of damages for survivors can seek seeking recourse from cities, counties, and school districts. While victims' advocates successfully prevented damage caps, the deal includes provisions intended to To provide relief to public entities. The compromise, brokered by Democratic leadership, requires survivors entities, the bill introduces higher evidentiary standards for specific claimants. Survivors over the age of 40, or those with cases dating before 2024 where involving records were destroyed, to destroyed before 2024, must provide stronger ‘clear and convincing’ evidence and demonstrate that the public entity had ‘actual knowledge’ of their assaults. Local the misconduct. Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón stated the deal aims to prioritize protection and prevention while acknowledging community impacts. To combat fraudulent litigation, the bill imposes a $25,000 fine on attorneys found to have brought claims in bad faith. Additionally, local governments and school districts had previously advocated for caps must submit sexual assault prevention plans and codes of conduct to mitigate the California attorney general’s office by January 1, 2028. The legislative action follows significant financial impact of a 2019 law that expanded the ability strain on municipalities, such as Los Angeles County, which has agreed to sue pay over childhood sexual abuse. $5 billion to settle more than 12,000 claims. The bill now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom for a signature or veto by September 30.
Versions
- 2026-08-31 04:27 UTC California passes SB 577 on sexual abuse litigation
- 2026-08-28 09:37 UTC California sexual assault lawsuit legislation
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