Civil discovery.
- Makes permanent the requirement for parties to share key evidence within 60 days in civil lawsuits.
- Requires disclosure of witness information, documents, and insurance policies that could cover judgments.
- Exempts small claims, family law, probate cases, and parties without lawyers from these requirements.
Senator Umberg's legislation makes permanent California's current requirements for initial disclosures in civil litigation, removing a January 1, 2027 sunset provision that would have reverted the state to its previous system of court-ordered disclosures.
Under the preserved framework, parties in most civil actions must provide specific disclosures within 60 days of any party's demand. These disclosures must include contact information for individuals likely to have relevant information, copies or descriptions of pertinent documents and electronic records, and details of any insurance policies or agreements that could satisfy a potential judgment. Parties can request supplemental disclosures for new information - twice before the initial trial date is set and once after. The requirements exclude certain proceedings, including unlawful detainer actions, small claims cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and cases involving unrepresented parties.
The bill maintains existing verification standards, requiring disclosures to be authenticated either through a written declaration by the party or their representative, or by counsel's signature. Courts retain their authority to enforce these requirements independently or upon motion by a party. By eliminating the sunset clause, the legislation establishes these procedures as California's ongoing standard for initial disclosures in civil litigation rather than temporary measures.
 Tom UmbergD Senator | Bill Author |  Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 0 | 8 | 79 | PASS |
- Makes permanent the requirement for parties to share key evidence within 60 days in civil lawsuits.
- Requires disclosure of witness information, documents, and insurance policies that could cover judgments.
- Exempts small claims, family law, probate cases, and parties without lawyers from these requirements.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Umberg's legislation makes permanent California's current requirements for initial disclosures in civil litigation, removing a January 1, 2027 sunset provision that would have reverted the state to its previous system of court-ordered disclosures.
Under the preserved framework, parties in most civil actions must provide specific disclosures within 60 days of any party's demand. These disclosures must include contact information for individuals likely to have relevant information, copies or descriptions of pertinent documents and electronic records, and details of any insurance policies or agreements that could satisfy a potential judgment. Parties can request supplemental disclosures for new information - twice before the initial trial date is set and once after. The requirements exclude certain proceedings, including unlawful detainer actions, small claims cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and cases involving unrepresented parties.
The bill maintains existing verification standards, requiring disclosures to be authenticated either through a written declaration by the party or their representative, or by counsel's signature. Courts retain their authority to enforce these requirements independently or upon motion by a party. By eliminating the sunset clause, the legislation establishes these procedures as California's ongoing standard for initial disclosures in civil litigation rather than temporary measures.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 0 | 8 | 79 | PASS |
Tom UmbergD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |