AB 2529, Sponsored by Cities of Hidden Hills and Carson, Passes the Legislature and Heads to the Governor

HIDDEN HILLS, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Assembly Bill 2529 (Johnson), the Government Claims Act measure co-sponsored by the Cities of Hidden Hills and Carson, has passed both houses of the California Legislature and is headed to the Governor's desk. The bill cleared the State Senate on August 27, 2026 on a 39-0 vote, following 62-4 passage in the Assembly in May. It is now headed to the Governor for his action.

AB 2529 amends Section 910.2 of the Government Code to require that a claim against a public entity or public employee include a declaration that, upon information and belief, the contents of the claim are true and correct. Under prior law, courts had interpreted the statute to permit claimants to bypass agency claim forms and submit independent written claims carrying no verification of their factual assertions, AB 2529 closes that gap with a single, uniform statewide standard.

The two cities developed the concept, secured new Assemblymember Natasha Johnson of the 63rd Assembly District as author, and assembled the coalition that carried it through. They were joined by the California Contract Cities Association, Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), and over 14 individual cities. The Hidden Hills City Council adopted Resolution No. 1056 in support on April 20, 2026.

"Not unlike the private sector in California, questionable claims have become an epidemic in our state, and it's the taxpayers who end up paying for settlements insurers recommend just to avoid the cost of litigation," said Hidden Hills Councilmember Laura McCorkindale. "While this is a small dent in the current process - which needs sweeping reform - our goal is to continue to bring forward commonsensical legislation that improves the integrity of governmental processes, as well legislation that contributes to the betterment of our city and to our state as a whole".

"The Legislature stood behind this sound solution and saw it through. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped move AB 2529 forward," said Hidden Hills Councilmember Eniko Gold.

Supporters emphasize that AB 2529:

• Requires a factual affirmation at the earliest stage of a claim
• Discourages claims filed primarily to generate settlement leverage
• Preserves legal rights, as it does not alter substantive law or limit access to the courts

AB 2529 continues a pattern of state-level firsts for the small city. In 2025, Hidden Hills adopted Ordinance No. 393, becoming the first municipality in California to impose legally enforceable restrictions on high-risk outdoor activity during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings. Developed with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the novel Hidden Hills ordinance prohibits grading, demolition, and the use of any outdoor equipment or activity capable of producing a spark or flame on red flag days, along with open flames, outdoor smoking, and gas and propane-powered maintenance equipment. In 2021, the City adopted Ordinance No. 374, banning all leaf blowers, including electric and battery-powered models, on parkways, roadways, streets, and pedestrian and equestrian trails, a restriction that goes beyond the gas-only bans adopted elsewhere in California.

About the City of Hidden Hills: Hidden Hills is a general law city in Los Angeles County. The City has repeatedly taken the lead on wildfire prevention, public safety, environmental protection, and agency accountability - advancing measures that have since drawn interest from larger jurisdictions.

Contact:
Media Contact, David Quintana: (916) 217-2616

SOURCE City of Hidden Hills