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 satisfy judgments.
- Exempts small claims, family law, and probate cases from these disclosure requirements.
- Allows parties to request updated information twice before trial and once after trial date is set.
Senator Umberg's legislation makes permanent California's enhanced civil discovery requirements, which currently mandate initial disclosures of key case information within 60 days of any party's demand. The bill removes a January 1, 2027 sunset provision that would have reverted discovery procedures to a court-order-only system.
Under the continued framework, parties in most civil actions must disclose names and contact information for individuals likely to have relevant information, along with copies or descriptions of supporting documents and electronically stored materials. The requirements also extend to insurance policies and contractual agreements that could satisfy potential judgments. Parties may request up to two supplemental disclosures before trial and one after trial dates are set, with additional requests requiring court approval. The provisions exclude unlawful detainer, small claims, family law, and probate cases, as well as self-represented litigants.
The disclosure obligations apply only to civil actions filed after January 1, 2024. Courts may enforce compliance through their own motion or in response to a party's request for compelled disclosure. All submissions must be verified through written declaration by the party or representative, or signed by counsel.
 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 satisfy judgments.
- Exempts small claims, family law, and probate cases from these disclosure requirements.
- Allows parties to request updated information twice before trial and once after trial date is set.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Umberg's legislation makes permanent California's enhanced civil discovery requirements, which currently mandate initial disclosures of key case information within 60 days of any party's demand. The bill removes a January 1, 2027 sunset provision that would have reverted discovery procedures to a court-order-only system.
Under the continued framework, parties in most civil actions must disclose names and contact information for individuals likely to have relevant information, along with copies or descriptions of supporting documents and electronically stored materials. The requirements also extend to insurance policies and contractual agreements that could satisfy potential judgments. Parties may request up to two supplemental disclosures before trial and one after trial dates are set, with additional requests requiring court approval. The provisions exclude unlawful detainer, small claims, family law, and probate cases, as well as self-represented litigants.
The disclosure obligations apply only to civil actions filed after January 1, 2024. Courts may enforce compliance through their own motion or in response to a party's request for compelled disclosure. All submissions must be verified through written declaration by the party or representative, or signed by counsel.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 0 | 8 | 79 | PASS |
Tom UmbergD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |