San Dimas council backs JPIA liability‑reform letter; one councilmember objects to damage caps

Council debated a staff‑prepared letter supporting a JPIA (California Joint Powers Insurance Authority) effort around local government liability reform. The proposed letter endorses several reforms staff described as reasonable, including proportional liability for economic damages and heightened procedural standards where evidence is insufficient. Councilmember Ryan McConnell said he supports some reforms but cannot morally support proposals that would cap damages for victims of violent crimes, describing the lifetime impact on victims as a reason to oppose such caps. Other councilmembers said they supported the letter as a first step toward reform and emphasized the need to balance fiscal responsibility for cities with victims’ rights. The motion carried 4‑1 with McConnell voting no.

Why it matters: The letter signals San Dimas's position to a statewide insurance‑policy coalition and reflects an internal tension between fiscal risk management and concern for victims’ compensation.