Bill > SB29

This bill amends existing California law regarding civil actions involving damages for a deceased person's pain, suffering, or disfigurement. Currently, the law allows personal representatives or successors in interest to file actions recovering damages for a decedent, including pain and suffering, with a time-limited provision. The bill extends the deadline for filing such actions from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2030, and modifies reporting requirements for these legal actions. Specifically, plaintiffs who recover damages between January 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, must submit detailed information to the Judicial Council within 60 days of obtaining a judgment or settlement, including the date the action was filed, the disposition date, and the types and amounts of damages awarded. The bill also allows any party to an action to submit this required information. Furthermore, the Judicial Council must transmit a report to the Legislature detailing these damages, covering the period from January 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, with the report due by January 1, 2027. This legislation provides continued opportunity for legal recourse in cases involving a deceased person's suffering while maintaining transparency through mandatory reporting.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB29