#United States #Carson #Hidden Hills #AB 2529

Assembly Bill 2529 Advances to Governor's Desk

The recent passage of Assembly Bill 2529, co-sponsored by the Cities of Hidden Hills and Carson, marks a significant step towards enhancing accountability within California's government claims process. This bill has successfully cleared both houses of the California Legislature, with a unanimous vote of 39-0 in the State Senate on August 27, 2026, following a solid 62-4 vote in the Assembly earlier this year. It is now awaiting the Governor's approval.

The essence of AB 2529 lies in its amendment of Section 910.2 of the Government Code. The new legislation mandates that any claims made against public entities or employees must now come with a declaration affirming, to the best of the claimant's knowledge, that the contents of the claim are factual. Previously, courts allowed claimants to submit claims without mandatory verification, leading to a loophole where unwarranted claims might undermine the integrity of the claims process. This law aims to unify and strengthen standards across the state.

Hidden Hills and Carson spearheaded the development of this legislation, enlisting the support of Assemblymember Natasha Johnson as the author. They garnered widespread backing from various stakeholders, including the California Contract Cities Association and Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), alongside support from over 14 other cities. In a proactive move, the Hidden Hills City Council passed Resolution No. 1056 in favor of this bill back on April 20, 2026.

Councilmember Laura McCorkindale of Hidden Hills criticized the growing trend of questionable claims, stating, “It’s the taxpayers who end up paying for settlements that insurers recommend to avoid litigation costs.” AB 2529, while not a panacea for all issues in the government claims environment, establishes a critical first step toward ensuring a more honest and responsible claims process.

Councilmember Eniko Gold also expressed gratitude for the support from colleagues as the bill moved through the legislative process, highlighting the community effort behind this initiative.

Why AB 2529 Matters

Supporters of AB 2529 emphasize several key points regarding the legislation:

• - Fact-based Affirmation: It necessitates a factual affirmation right at the outset of a claim.
• - Discouragement of Misleading Claims: The measure is designed to dissuade individuals from filing claims primarily to gain leverage for potential settlements.
• - Preservation of Legal Rights: Notably, it preserves legal rights without altering any substantive laws or restricting access to the courts.

Beyond this recent victory for accountability, Hidden Hills has positioned itself as a pioneer in legislative initiatives. In 2025, the city introduced Ordinance No. 393, which established legally enforceable restrictions on hazardous outdoor activities during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings. This ordinance, developed in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, prohibits various activities that could spark fires on days deemed at high risk for wildfires.

Moreover, in 2021, the city adopted Ordinance No. 374, which banned all leaf blowers in public areas, setting a precedent that goes beyond the typical gas-only bans seen across California. Hidden Hills has consistently taken the lead on issues related to wildfire prevention, public safety measures, environmental stewardship, and accountability initiatives, drawing attention from larger municipalities for their innovative approaches.

Its Broader Implications

As AB 2529 progresses towards the Governor, its implications could reverberate throughout California's governance landscape. This legislative push reflects a broader desire among municipalities to tackle the issues surrounding governmental accountability, ensuring that taxpayer interests remain protected.

In conclusion, the successful passage of AB 2529 is a notable achievement not only for Hidden Hills and Carson but for cities across California. It exemplifies a commitment to fostering integrity within governmental processes and may well serve as a model for future legislative initiatives aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in the public sector.