Existing law permits Los Angeles County Superior Court civil cases in which the amount in controversy did not exceed $50,000 and otherwise subject to judicial arbitration to be referred to mediation. Beginning January 1, 2027, existing law generally limits court-ordered mediation under those provisions to cases involving no more than $75,000.
AB 1950 authorizes the Los Angeles County Superior Court to issue an order allowing cases to be referred to mediation without regard to the $75,000 amount-in-controversy limit, provided the cases satisfy the other statutory requirements. Cases ordered into mediation are entitled to up to three (3) hours of no-cost mediation services through a court-sanctioned mediation program, and the parties may participate remotely. Mediation cannot delay the trial date or other expedited procedures. If the court uses this authority, it must submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning January 31, 2028. The provisions sunset January 1, 2032.
AB 1950 does not impose a new requirement on public agencies generally, but public entities litigating civil matters in Los Angeles County may encounter broader use of court-ordered mediation.
AB 1950 adds section 1775.16 to the Code of Civil Procedure.
