Assembly Judiciary Committee advances package of bills on victims’ rights, veterans protection, pay transparency and court processes

SACRAMENTO — The Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced a package of bills touching criminal procedure, consumer protection, veterans’ services, labor transparency and civil litigation rules, moving each to the Appropriations Committee for further review.

The committee voted to advance a continuation of the 2021 survivors’‑rights change, Senate Bill 29, which would keep in place a statutory rule allowing recovery of pain and suffering after a claimant dies. Senator Laird, the bill’s author, told the committee the 2021 law corrected a long‑standing injustice and argued evidence to date does not show it raised malpractice insurance rates. “This just ensures that victims who endure intense pain and suffering are not died and denied their justice because they didn't live long enough, to realize it,” Senator Laird said.

Supporters included family members of patients who described care failures they say led to death and to missed opportunities for accountability. Erica Cole, who testified about her mother’s death after what she said was medical negligence, told the committee: “This bill is about accountability and protecting all future patients and giving families the opportunity to honor the suffering of their loved ones who are no longer here to fight for themselves.” Opposition came from medical, hospital and business groups concerned about potential impacts on clinics and community health centers; several asked that medical‑malpractice cases be excluded or that additional data be required before extending the law.

Also advanced was SB 694, aimed at limiting fees charged by unaccredited, for‑profit firms that assist veterans in preparing initial Veterans Affairs claims. The bill would align California law with federal rules that restrict who may charge fees for preparing or representing veterans on VA claims and strengthen penalties and consumer protections state‑level enforcement can pursue. Authors and a long list of veterans service organizations said the change is needed because some for‑profit…