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Panel backs raising mandatory-mediation referral cap to $75,000 with safeguards
Summary
AB 1523, a compromise Judiciary Committee bill, would increase the amount in controversy cap for referring civil cases to mandatory mediation from $50,000 to $75,000 and add safeguards to ensure only cases with a high likelihood of resolution are sent to mediation, sponsors said.
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed AB 1523, a bill from the Assembly Judiciary Committee that would raise the amount-in-controversy cap for mandatory mediation referrals from $50,000 to $75,000 and add safeguards intended to ensure only cases likely to resolve are sent to mediation.
The author’s representative described the bill as a compromise reflecting input from numerous stakeholders and 30 years of experience with the existing law. The measure would increase use of mediation as an alternative to trial while including protections to preserve Californians’ right to a day in court. The representative said safeguards were added to ensure cases sent to mediation are those with a high likelihood of amicable resolution.
No witnesses appeared in opposition or to offer additional support at the microphone. Senators commented that the idea mirrored a bill introduced in a prior year and that the new cap still fell short of some members’ preferences for a higher limit. Committee members expressed general support and noted the measure’s moderate incremental approach.
The committee voted to pass AB 1523 to the next committee. Recorded roll-call counts reported during the hearing showed unanimous committee support in the final tabulation presented.
