"What began as a moral imperative has become a fiscal emergency, draining California's public schools of the dollars meant for students. Assembly Bill 218 was written to deliver justice for survivors of sexual abuse, but its design opened the door to a costly and unbalanced system one that rewards trial lawyers while punishing classrooms across California. During the last legislative session, lawmakers attempted to craft a solution to address the law's unintended consequences."
"The consequences of inaction are mounting: Every day reform is delayed attorneys profit while classrooms lose vital resources, and California's students continue to bear the cost. Even AB 218's author, former Assemblymember and current California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez, acknowledged the shortsightedness of legislators when the bill passed six years ago, saying that, while her goal was to protect children and ensure victims had a path to justice, some unscrupulous attorneys are treating (AB 218) like a feeding frenzy."
Assembly Bill 218 was intended to deliver justice for survivors of sexual abuse, but its design created a costly, unbalanced system that rewards trial lawyers and drains school resources. Lawmakers sought reforms but pressure from trial lawyers blocked meaningful changes. Every day reform is delayed attorneys profit while classrooms lose vital resources and students bear the cost. Even the bill's author acknowledged legislators were shortsighted and warned of attorneys treating the law like a feeding frenzy. Every dollar paid in attorneys' fees reduces funds for survivors and student services. Large claims against public entities have quadrupled since 2018-19 and are projected to triple again by 2026-27.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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