FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Asm. Harabedian Pushes Forward Bill to Cut Court Backlogs and Deliver Timely Justice in Los Angeles County
AB 1950 would expand access to mediation, helping Los Angeles residents resolve disputes faster and reducing strain on local courts.
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena) advanced AB 1950 out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, legislation aimed at easing congested trial calendars and improving timely access to justice in Los Angeles County by expanding the use of court-ordered mediation.
“AB 1950 provides Los Angeles County courts with additional tools to manage increasing caseloads, minimize costly delays for litigants, and resolve disputes more efficiently,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena). “By broadening access to mediation, this bill will help relieve strain on the courts and create a justice system that is more efficient, fair, and responsive to the needs of Los Angeles County residents.”
“Today’s vote marks an important step toward ensuring that Los Angeles County residents have meaningful and timely access to justice,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “With civil filings at unprecedented levels, AB 1950 provides our Court with a flexible, practical tool to keep cases moving without compromising anyone’s right to a timely trial. I appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian’s leadership, as well as the leadership of the Assembly Judiciary Committee members, in advancing thoughtful, data driven solutions that help courts meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.”
AB 1950 would allow judges in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to refer any civil matter to mediation, regardless of the amount in dispute. The bill creates a temporary pilot program, scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2032, giving the court an opportunity to assess the program’s effectiveness.
By expanding early opportunities for collaborative dispute resolution, AB 1950 seeks to reduce crowded trial calendars, address court backlogs, lower litigation costs for parties, and promote faster resolutions for those seeking justice.
This bill will be heard in Assembly Appropriations in the spring.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
