Overview
- Lawmakers released amended language to Senate Bill 577 late Thursday that preserves uncapped monetary awards while proposing procedural changes to address rising liabilities for schools and counties.
- The bill raises the burden of proof for claimants older than 40 by requiring clear and convincing evidence that a public entity knew of misconduct and failed to act.
- The amendments create anti‑fraud tools including a $25,000 fine per fraudulent filing and direct the attorney general to open a two‑part investigation into alleged abuse in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities.
- The deal requires schools and other public agencies to adopt sexual assault prevention plans and codes of conduct and calls for reporting steps meant to reduce future abuse and claims.
- If both chambers pass the bill before the end of the session it would go to Gov. Gavin Newsom and is expected to be signed; the change follows a 2019–20 law that removed time limits on childhood abuse claims and sparked multibillion‑dollar settlements that strained local budgets and insurance costs.