AB 1950 would help reduce court delays by expanding access to court ordered mediation in Los Angeles County.
Court Backlogs Leave Californians Waiting Longer. Bill Advances to Expand Mediation and Speed Up Civil Cases
AB 1950 would help reduce court delays by expanding access to court ordered mediation in Los Angeles County.
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Civil litigants in Los Angeles County often wait months or even years for their cases to be resolved as the nation’s largest trial court continues to face overwhelming caseloads. AB 1950 aims to help delays by expanding the court’s ability to order mediations in civil cases, helping reach resolutions more quickly while reducing strain on the court system. Under current law, the court's authority to order mediation is limited by the amount in dispute. AB 1950 removes that limitation, allowing Los Angeles Superior Court to order mediation in any civil case when appropriate.
Yesterday, Assemblymember John Harabediann’s (D-Pasadena) AB 1950 advanced to the Senate Floor after receiving strong bipartisan support in the Assembly and the Senate.
“The Los Angeles Superior Court has far too many cases for it to handle. This results in longer wait times and poor allocation of the court’s resources,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian. “AB 1950 will help alleviate these issues by allowing more cases to be resolved through mediation, giving people faster resolutions while enabling the court to focus its resources where they are needed most.”
The Superior Court of Los Angeles continuously faces an overwhelming number of civil cases, causing substantial backlogs that delay resolution for litigants and place increasing strain on judicial resources. Ultimately, this bill is expected to improve access to timely dispute resolution while reducing pressure over an overburdened court system.
With approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee, AB 1950 now advances to the Senate Floor for consideration.
#####
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.
