UPDATED: Joint CSAC/CSBA Statement on SB 577

Sacramento, CA — The California State Association of Counties and the California School Boards Association issued the following statement Wednesday on SB 577 (Laird):

SB 577’s demise proves the trial lawyers care more about their exorbitant payouts than protecting core local services.

Counties and school districts strongly believe survivors deserve justice. Sen. Laird’s amendments would have ensured that justice while providing a lifeline to local governments and schools.

CSAC and CSBA are grateful to Sen. Laird for the thankless but courageous task of good governance in the face of self-serving special interests.

We call on Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to bring everyone together and negotiate a path forward.

Background:

• The amendments to SB 577 sought by Sen. Laird would have maintained substantial compensation for victims while providing safeguards to prevent insolvency in counties, schools and other public agencies facing an unprecedented wave of lawsuits and “nuclear verdicts” for claims dating back decades.
• Read CSAC’s letter of support for SB 577 as proposed to be amended on Sept. 9, 2025.
• With SB 577’s demise, local governments and school districts throughout California will soon confront the same fiscal crises as Los Angeles County and the city of Santa Monica.
• Even counties and school districts not facing these claims are facing skyrocketing insurance costs which are paid directly from their general funds.

Original statement:

Sacramento, CA — The California State Association of Counties and the California School Boards Association issued the following statement Tuesday on SB 577 (Laird):

We’ve seen what’s happened to Los Angeles County and – just today – Santa Monica. So let’s be clear: If Sen. Laird’s critical amendments to SB 577 are blocked by special interests who’d rather protect exorbitant payouts to trial lawyers than core local services, your city, county or school district will be next.

The state must find a way to both ensure justice for survivors and preserve public safety, public education and the social safety net.

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