California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB984 Compare Versions

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1-Assembly Bill No. 984 CHAPTER 169 An act to amend and repeal Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. [ Approved by Governor August 07, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State August 07, 2017. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 984, Calderon. Courts: frivolous actions or tactics.Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015. Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.This bill would delete those provisions.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is amended to read:128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015. SEC. 2. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is repealed.SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
1+Enrolled July 21, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly July 20, 2017 Amended IN Senate July 12, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 19, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 984Introduced by Assembly Member CalderonFebruary 16, 2017 An act to amend and repeal Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 984, Calderon. Courts: frivolous actions or tactics.Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015. Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.This bill would delete those provisions.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is amended to read:128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015. SEC. 2. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is repealed.SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
22
3- Assembly Bill No. 984 CHAPTER 169 An act to amend and repeal Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. [ Approved by Governor August 07, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State August 07, 2017. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 984, Calderon. Courts: frivolous actions or tactics.Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015. Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.This bill would delete those provisions.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
3+ Enrolled July 21, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly July 20, 2017 Amended IN Senate July 12, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 19, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 984Introduced by Assembly Member CalderonFebruary 16, 2017 An act to amend and repeal Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 984, Calderon. Courts: frivolous actions or tactics.Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015. Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.This bill would delete those provisions.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
4+
5+ Enrolled July 21, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly July 20, 2017 Amended IN Senate July 12, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 19, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2017
6+
7+Enrolled July 21, 2017
8+Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017
9+Passed IN Assembly July 20, 2017
10+Amended IN Senate July 12, 2017
11+Amended IN Senate June 19, 2017
12+Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2017
13+
14+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
415
516 Assembly Bill No. 984
6-CHAPTER 169
17+
18+Introduced by Assembly Member CalderonFebruary 16, 2017
19+
20+Introduced by Assembly Member Calderon
21+February 16, 2017
722
823 An act to amend and repeal Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to courts, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.
9-
10- [ Approved by Governor August 07, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State August 07, 2017. ]
1124
1225 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1326
1427 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1528
1629 AB 984, Calderon. Courts: frivolous actions or tactics.
1730
1831 Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015. Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.This bill would delete those provisions.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
1932
2033 Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of bad-faith actions or tactics, as defined, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. Existing law requires a party filing a motion pursuant to those provisions to promptly transmit specified information to the California Research Bureau of the California State Library. Existing law requires the bureau to maintain a public record of transmitted information for at least 3 years, or until those provisions are repealed, as specified.
2134
2235 This bill would extend indefinitely the authorization of the trial court to order the payment of those reasonable expenses, but would not extend, and instead delete, the requirements on the filing party and the bureau relating to transmitting and maintaining the specified information, respectively. The bill would require the actions or tactics to be part of a civil case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015.
2336
2437 Existing law requires that any sanctions imposed pursuant to the above provisions be imposed consistently with the standards, conditions, and procedures set forth in specified provisions relating to sanctions.
2538
2639 This bill would delete that requirement and would instead impose various conditions and procedures on the sanctions ordered, as specified.
2740
2841 Existing law, operative on January 1, 2018, authorizes a trial court to make the above-described order only if the actions or tactics arise from a complaint filed, or a proceeding initiated, on or before December 31, 1994.
2942
3043 This bill would delete those provisions.
3144
3245 This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
3346
3447 ## Digest Key
3548
3649 ## Bill Text
3750
3851 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is amended to read:128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015. SEC. 2. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is repealed.SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
3952
4053 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4154
4255 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4356
4457 SECTION 1. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is amended to read:128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015.
4558
4659 SECTION 1. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is amended to read:
4760
4861 ### SECTION 1.
4962
5063 128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015.
5164
5265 128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015.
5366
5467 128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.(b) For purposes of this section:(1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.(2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.(c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.(d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.(e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.(f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:(1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.(A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.(B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.(D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.(2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).(A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.(B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.(g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated. (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.(i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015.
5568
5669
5770
5871 128.5. (a) A trial court may order a party, the partys attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.
5972
6073 (b) For purposes of this section:
6174
6275 (1) Actions or tactics include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading. The mere filing of a complaint without service thereof on an opposing party does not constitute actions or tactics for purposes of this section.
6376
6477 (2) Frivolous means totally and completely without merit or for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.
6578
6679 (c) Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed except on notice contained in a partys moving or responding papers or, on the courts own motion, after notice and opportunity to be heard. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the action or tactic or circumstances justifying the order.
6780
6881 (d) In addition to any award pursuant to this section for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a), the court may assess punitive damages against the plaintiff on a determination by the court that the plaintiffs action was an action maintained by a person convicted of a felony against the persons victim, or the victims heirs, relatives, estate, or personal representative, for injuries arising from the acts for which the person was convicted of a felony, and that the plaintiff is guilty of fraud, oppression, or malice in maintaining the action.
6982
7083 (e) This section shall not apply to disclosures and discovery requests, responses, objections, and motions.
7184
7285 (f) Sanctions ordered pursuant to this section shall be ordered pursuant to the following conditions and procedures:
7386
7487 (1) If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court issues an order pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, subject to the conditions stated below, impose an appropriate sanction upon the party, the partys attorneys, or both, for an action or tactic described in subdivision (a). In determining what sanctions, if any, should be ordered, the court shall consider whether a party seeking sanctions has exercised due diligence.
7588
7689 (A) A motion for sanctions under this section shall be made separately from other motions or requests and shall describe the specific alleged action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.
7790
7891 (B) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, a notice of motion shall be served as provided in Section 1010, but shall not be filed with or presented to the court, unless 21 days after service of the motion or any other period as the court may prescribe, the challenged action or tactic is not withdrawn or appropriately corrected.
7992
8093 (C) If warranted, the court may award to the party prevailing on the motion the reasonable expenses and attorneys fees incurred in presenting or opposing the motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly responsible for violations committed by its partners, associates, and employees.
8194
8295 (D) If the alleged action or tactic is the making or opposing of a written motion or the filing and service of a complaint, cross-complaint, answer, or other responsive pleading that can be withdrawn or appropriately corrected, the court on its own motion may enter an order describing the specific action or tactic, made in bad faith, that is frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay, and direct an attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why it has made an action or tactic as defined in subdivision (b), unless, within 21 days of service of the order to show cause, the challenged action or tactic is withdrawn or appropriately corrected.
8396
8497 (2) An order for sanctions pursuant to this section shall be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the action or tactic or comparable action or tactic by others similarly situated. Subject to the limitations in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the sanction may consist of, or include, directives of a nonmonetary nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of some or all of the reasonable attorneys fees and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the action or tactic described in subdivision (a).
8598
8699 (A) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded against a represented party for a violation of presenting a claim, defense, and other legal contentions that are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.
87100
88101 (B) Monetary sanctions may not be awarded on the courts motion unless the court issues its order to show cause before a voluntary dismissal or settlement of the claims made by or against the party that is, or whose attorneys are, to be sanctioned.
89102
90103 (g) A motion for sanctions brought by a party or a partys attorney primarily for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, shall itself be subject to a motion for sanctions. It is the intent of the Legislature that courts shall vigorously use its sanction authority to deter the improper actions or tactics or comparable actions or tactics of others similarly situated.
91104
92105 (h) The liability imposed by this section is in addition to any other liability imposed by law for acts or omissions within the purview of this section.
93106
94107 (i) This section applies to actions or tactics that were part of a civil case filed on or after January 1, 2015.
95108
96109 SEC. 2. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is repealed.
97110
98111 SEC. 2. Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, is repealed.
99112
100113 ### SEC. 2.
101114
102115
103116
104117 SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
105118
106119 SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.
107120
108121 SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
109122
110123 ### SEC. 3.
111124
112125 In order to avoid further confusion or inconsistent decisions among courts regarding the application of Section 128.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 425 of the Statutes of 2014, including, among other things, the standards, conditions, and procedures that must be applied and whether the statute applies to a case that was filed on or after January 1, 2015, instead of applying to a case pending as of January 1, 2015; to apply the statute equally to similarly situated parties; and to prevent further injustice, as quickly as possible, it is necessary for this act to take effect immediately.