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| 1 | + | Amended IN Assembly June 20, 2019 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 518Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 21, 2019 An act to amend Section 6259 998 of the Government Code, Code of Civil Procedure, relating to public records. civil actions.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 518, as amended, Wieckowski. Public records: disclosure: court costs and attorneys fees.Civil actions: settlement offers.Existing law, in a civil action to be resolved by trial or arbitration, authorizes a party to serve an offer in writing on any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at the time. Existing law shifts specified postoffer costs to a plaintiff who does not accept a defendants offer if the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award. Existing law also authorizes a court or arbitrator to order a party who does not accept the opposing partys offer and fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award to cover the postoffer costs for the services of expert witnesses, as specified. Existing law exempts certain actions from those provisions, including any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act.This bill would also exempt from those provisions any action to enforce the California Public Records Act.The California Public Records Act requires a public agency, defined to mean a state or local agency, to make its public records available for public inspection and to make copies available upon request and payment of a fee, unless the public records are exempt from disclosure. The act makes specified records exempt from disclosure and provides that disclosure by a state or local agency of a public record that is otherwise exempt constitutes a waiver of the exemptions.The act, when it appears to a superior court that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, requires the court to order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why that officer or person should not do so. The act requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the plaintiff if the plaintiff prevails in litigation filed pursuant to these provisions, and requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency if the court finds that the plaintiffs case is clearly frivolous.This bill, for purposes of the award of court costs and reasonable attorneys fees pursuant to the above provisions, would specifically notwithstand a provision of existing law that prescribes the withholding or augmentation of costs if an offer is made before judgment or award in a trial or arbitration.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).SECTION 1.Section 6259 of the Government Code is amended to read:6259.(a)Whenever it is made to appear by verified petition to the superior court of the county where the records or some part thereof are situated that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, the court shall order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why the officer or person should not do so. The court shall decide the case after examining the record in camera, if permitted by subdivision (b) of Section 915 of the Evidence Code, papers filed by the parties and any oral argument and additional evidence as the court may allow.(b)If the court finds that the public officials decision to refuse disclosure is not justified under Section 6254 or 6255, the judge shall order the public official to make the record public. If the judge determines that the public official was justified in refusing to make the record public, the judge shall return the item to the public official without disclosing its content with an order supporting the decision refusing disclosure.(c)In an action filed on or after January 1, 1991, an order of the court, either directing disclosure by a public official or supporting the decision of the public official refusing disclosure, is not a final judgment or order within the meaning of Section 904.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure from which an appeal may be taken, but shall be immediately reviewable by petition to the appellate court for the issuance of an extraordinary writ. Upon entry of any order pursuant to this section, a party shall, in order to obtain review of the order, file a petition within 20 days after service upon that party of a written notice of entry of the order, or within such further time not exceeding an additional 20 days as the trial court may for good cause allow. If the notice is served by mail, the period within which to file the petition shall be increased by five days. A stay of an order or judgment shall not be granted unless the petitioning party demonstrates it will otherwise sustain irreparable damage and probable success on the merits. Any person who fails to obey the order of the court shall be cited to show cause why that person is not in contempt of court.(d)Notwithstanding Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the requester should the requester prevail in litigation filed pursuant to this section. The costs and fees shall be paid by the public agency of which the public official is a member or employee and shall not become a personal liability of the public official. If the court finds that the requesters case is clearly frivolous, it shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency.(e)Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a requesters right to obtain fees and costs pursuant to subdivision (d) or pursuant to any other law. | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | - | ||
| 3 | + | Amended IN Assembly June 20, 2019 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 518Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 21, 2019 An act to amend Section 6259 998 of the Government Code, Code of Civil Procedure, relating to public records. civil actions.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 518, as amended, Wieckowski. Public records: disclosure: court costs and attorneys fees.Civil actions: settlement offers.Existing law, in a civil action to be resolved by trial or arbitration, authorizes a party to serve an offer in writing on any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at the time. Existing law shifts specified postoffer costs to a plaintiff who does not accept a defendants offer if the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award. Existing law also authorizes a court or arbitrator to order a party who does not accept the opposing partys offer and fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award to cover the postoffer costs for the services of expert witnesses, as specified. Existing law exempts certain actions from those provisions, including any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act.This bill would also exempt from those provisions any action to enforce the California Public Records Act.The California Public Records Act requires a public agency, defined to mean a state or local agency, to make its public records available for public inspection and to make copies available upon request and payment of a fee, unless the public records are exempt from disclosure. The act makes specified records exempt from disclosure and provides that disclosure by a state or local agency of a public record that is otherwise exempt constitutes a waiver of the exemptions.The act, when it appears to a superior court that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, requires the court to order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why that officer or person should not do so. The act requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the plaintiff if the plaintiff prevails in litigation filed pursuant to these provisions, and requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency if the court finds that the plaintiffs case is clearly frivolous.This bill, for purposes of the award of court costs and reasonable attorneys fees pursuant to the above provisions, would specifically notwithstand a provision of existing law that prescribes the withholding or augmentation of costs if an offer is made before judgment or award in a trial or arbitration.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO | |
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | - | ||
| 5 | + | Amended IN Assembly June 20, 2019 | |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| 7 | - | Enrolled September 13, 2019 | |
| 8 | - | Passed IN Senate September 11, 2019 | |
| 9 | - | Passed IN Assembly September 09, 2019 | |
| 10 | 7 | Amended IN Assembly June 20, 2019 | |
| 11 | 8 | ||
| 12 | 9 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION | |
| 13 | 10 | ||
| 14 | - | Senate Bill | |
| 15 | - | ||
| 16 | - | No. 518 | |
| 11 | + | Senate Bill No. 518 | |
| 17 | 12 | ||
| 18 | 13 | Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 21, 2019 | |
| 19 | 14 | ||
| 20 | 15 | Introduced by Senator Wieckowski | |
| 21 | 16 | February 21, 2019 | |
| 22 | 17 | ||
| 23 | - | An act to amend Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure, relating to civil actions. | |
| 18 | + | An act to amend Section 6259 998 of the Government Code, Code of Civil Procedure, relating to public records. civil actions. | |
| 24 | 19 | ||
| 25 | 20 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 26 | 21 | ||
| 27 | 22 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 28 | 23 | ||
| 29 | - | SB 518, Wieckowski. Civil actions: settlement offers. | |
| 24 | + | SB 518, as amended, Wieckowski. Public records: disclosure: court costs and attorneys fees.Civil actions: settlement offers. | |
| 30 | 25 | ||
| 31 | - | Existing law, in a civil action to be resolved by trial or arbitration, authorizes a party to serve an offer in writing on any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at the time. Existing law shifts specified postoffer costs to a plaintiff who does not accept a defendants offer if the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award. Existing law also authorizes a court or arbitrator to order a party who does not accept the opposing partys offer and fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award to cover the postoffer costs for the services of expert witnesses, as specified. Existing law exempts certain actions from those provisions, including any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act.This bill would also exempt from those provisions any action to enforce the California Public Records Act. | |
| 26 | + | Existing law, in a civil action to be resolved by trial or arbitration, authorizes a party to serve an offer in writing on any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at the time. Existing law shifts specified postoffer costs to a plaintiff who does not accept a defendants offer if the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award. Existing law also authorizes a court or arbitrator to order a party who does not accept the opposing partys offer and fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award to cover the postoffer costs for the services of expert witnesses, as specified. Existing law exempts certain actions from those provisions, including any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act.This bill would also exempt from those provisions any action to enforce the California Public Records Act.The California Public Records Act requires a public agency, defined to mean a state or local agency, to make its public records available for public inspection and to make copies available upon request and payment of a fee, unless the public records are exempt from disclosure. The act makes specified records exempt from disclosure and provides that disclosure by a state or local agency of a public record that is otherwise exempt constitutes a waiver of the exemptions.The act, when it appears to a superior court that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, requires the court to order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why that officer or person should not do so. The act requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the plaintiff if the plaintiff prevails in litigation filed pursuant to these provisions, and requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency if the court finds that the plaintiffs case is clearly frivolous.This bill, for purposes of the award of court costs and reasonable attorneys fees pursuant to the above provisions, would specifically notwithstand a provision of existing law that prescribes the withholding or augmentation of costs if an offer is made before judgment or award in a trial or arbitration. | |
| 32 | 27 | ||
| 33 | 28 | Existing law, in a civil action to be resolved by trial or arbitration, authorizes a party to serve an offer in writing on any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at the time. Existing law shifts specified postoffer costs to a plaintiff who does not accept a defendants offer if the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award. Existing law also authorizes a court or arbitrator to order a party who does not accept the opposing partys offer and fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award to cover the postoffer costs for the services of expert witnesses, as specified. Existing law exempts certain actions from those provisions, including any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act. | |
| 34 | 29 | ||
| 35 | 30 | This bill would also exempt from those provisions any action to enforce the California Public Records Act. | |
| 36 | 31 | ||
| 32 | + | The California Public Records Act requires a public agency, defined to mean a state or local agency, to make its public records available for public inspection and to make copies available upon request and payment of a fee, unless the public records are exempt from disclosure. The act makes specified records exempt from disclosure and provides that disclosure by a state or local agency of a public record that is otherwise exempt constitutes a waiver of the exemptions. | |
| 33 | + | ||
| 34 | + | ||
| 35 | + | ||
| 36 | + | The act, when it appears to a superior court that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, requires the court to order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why that officer or person should not do so. The act requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the plaintiff if the plaintiff prevails in litigation filed pursuant to these provisions, and requires the court to award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency if the court finds that the plaintiffs case is clearly frivolous. | |
| 37 | + | ||
| 38 | + | ||
| 39 | + | ||
| 40 | + | This bill, for purposes of the award of court costs and reasonable attorneys fees pursuant to the above provisions, would specifically notwithstand a provision of existing law that prescribes the withholding or augmentation of costs if an offer is made before judgment or award in a trial or arbitration. | |
| 41 | + | ||
| 42 | + | ||
| 43 | + | ||
| 37 | 44 | ## Digest Key | |
| 38 | 45 | ||
| 39 | 46 | ## Bill Text | |
| 40 | 47 | ||
| 41 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 48 | + | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).SECTION 1.Section 6259 of the Government Code is amended to read:6259.(a)Whenever it is made to appear by verified petition to the superior court of the county where the records or some part thereof are situated that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, the court shall order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why the officer or person should not do so. The court shall decide the case after examining the record in camera, if permitted by subdivision (b) of Section 915 of the Evidence Code, papers filed by the parties and any oral argument and additional evidence as the court may allow.(b)If the court finds that the public officials decision to refuse disclosure is not justified under Section 6254 or 6255, the judge shall order the public official to make the record public. If the judge determines that the public official was justified in refusing to make the record public, the judge shall return the item to the public official without disclosing its content with an order supporting the decision refusing disclosure.(c)In an action filed on or after January 1, 1991, an order of the court, either directing disclosure by a public official or supporting the decision of the public official refusing disclosure, is not a final judgment or order within the meaning of Section 904.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure from which an appeal may be taken, but shall be immediately reviewable by petition to the appellate court for the issuance of an extraordinary writ. Upon entry of any order pursuant to this section, a party shall, in order to obtain review of the order, file a petition within 20 days after service upon that party of a written notice of entry of the order, or within such further time not exceeding an additional 20 days as the trial court may for good cause allow. If the notice is served by mail, the period within which to file the petition shall be increased by five days. A stay of an order or judgment shall not be granted unless the petitioning party demonstrates it will otherwise sustain irreparable damage and probable success on the merits. Any person who fails to obey the order of the court shall be cited to show cause why that person is not in contempt of court.(d)Notwithstanding Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the requester should the requester prevail in litigation filed pursuant to this section. The costs and fees shall be paid by the public agency of which the public official is a member or employee and shall not become a personal liability of the public official. If the court finds that the requesters case is clearly frivolous, it shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency.(e)Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a requesters right to obtain fees and costs pursuant to subdivision (d) or pursuant to any other law. | |
| 42 | 49 | ||
| 43 | 50 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 44 | 51 | ||
| 45 | 52 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 46 | 53 | ||
| 47 | - | SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 54 | + | SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read:998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 48 | 55 | ||
| 49 | 56 | SECTION 1. Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read: | |
| 50 | 57 | ||
| 51 | 58 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 52 | 59 | ||
| 53 | - | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 60 | + | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 54 | 61 | ||
| 55 | - | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 62 | + | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 56 | 63 | ||
| 57 | - | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 64 | + | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section.(b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party.(1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly.(2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration.(3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence.(c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant.(2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs.(B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment.(d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs.(e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly.(f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement.(g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following:(1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action.(2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor.(3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).(h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code.(i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 58 | 65 | ||
| 59 | 66 | ||
| 60 | 67 | ||
| 61 | 68 | 998. (a) The costs allowed under Sections 1031 and 1032 shall be withheld or augmented as provided in this section. | |
| 62 | 69 | ||
| 63 | 70 | (b) Not less than 10 days prior to commencement of trial or arbitration (as provided in Section 1281 or 1295) of a dispute to be resolved by arbitration, any party may serve an offer in writing upon any other party to the action to allow judgment to be taken or an award to be entered in accordance with the terms and conditions stated at that time. The written offer shall include a statement of the offer, containing the terms and conditions of the judgment or award, and a provision that allows the accepting party to indicate acceptance of the offer by signing a statement that the offer is accepted. Any acceptance of the offer, whether made on the document containing the offer or on a separate document of acceptance, shall be in writing and shall be signed by counsel for the accepting party or, if not represented by counsel, by the accepting party. | |
| 64 | 71 | ||
| 65 | 72 | (1) If the offer is accepted, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed and the clerk or the judge shall enter judgment accordingly. In the case of an arbitration, the offer with proof of acceptance shall be filed with the arbitrator or arbitrators who shall promptly render an award accordingly. | |
| 66 | 73 | ||
| 67 | 74 | (2) If the offer is not accepted prior to trial or arbitration or within 30 days after it is made, whichever occurs first, it shall be deemed withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence upon the trial or arbitration. | |
| 68 | 75 | ||
| 69 | 76 | (3) For purposes of this subdivision, a trial or arbitration shall be deemed to be actually commenced at the beginning of the opening statement of the plaintiff or counsel, or, if there is no opening statement, at the time of the administering of the oath or affirmation to the first witness, or the introduction of any evidence. | |
| 70 | 77 | ||
| 71 | - | (c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant. | |
| 78 | + | (c) (1) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the plaintiff shall not recover his or her the plaintiffs postoffer costs and shall pay the defendants costs from the time of the offer. In addition, in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the plaintiff to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the defendant. | |
| 72 | 79 | ||
| 73 | 80 | (2) (A) In determining whether the plaintiff obtains a more favorable judgment, the court or arbitrator shall exclude the postoffer costs. | |
| 74 | 81 | ||
| 75 | - | (B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment. | |
| 82 | + | (B) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting subparagraph (A) to supersede the holding in Encinitas Plaza Real v. Knight, Knight (1989) 209 Cal.App.3d 996, 996 that attorneys fees awarded to the prevailing party were not costs for purposes of this section but were part of the judgment. | |
| 76 | 83 | ||
| 77 | 84 | (d) If an offer made by a plaintiff is not accepted and the defendant fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award in any action or proceeding other than an eminent domain action, the court or arbitrator, in its discretion, may require the defendant to pay a reasonable sum to cover postoffer costs of the services of expert witnesses, who are not regular employees of any party, actually incurred and reasonably necessary in either, or both, preparation for trial or arbitration, or during trial or arbitration, of the case by the plaintiff, in addition to plaintiffs costs. | |
| 78 | 85 | ||
| 79 | 86 | (e) If an offer made by a defendant is not accepted and the plaintiff fails to obtain a more favorable judgment or award, the costs under this section, from the time of the offer, shall be deducted from any damages awarded in favor of the plaintiff. If the costs awarded under this section exceed the amount of the damages awarded to the plaintiff the net amount shall be awarded to the defendant and judgment or award shall be entered accordingly. | |
| 80 | 87 | ||
| 81 | 88 | (f) Police officers shall be deemed to be expert witnesses for the purposes of this section. For purposes of this section, plaintiff includes a cross-complainant and defendant includes a cross-defendant. Any judgment or award entered pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a compromise settlement. | |
| 82 | 89 | ||
| 83 | - | (g) This chapter does not apply to any of the following: | |
| 90 | + | (g) This chapter does not apply to either any of the following: | |
| 84 | 91 | ||
| 85 | 92 | (1) An offer that is made by a plaintiff in an eminent domain action. | |
| 86 | 93 | ||
| 87 | 94 | (2) Any enforcement action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney, acting as a public prosecutor. | |
| 88 | 95 | ||
| 89 | 96 | (3) Any labor arbitration filed pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 90 | 97 | ||
| 91 | 98 | (4) Any action to enforce the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 92 | 99 | ||
| 93 | 100 | (h) The costs for services of expert witnesses for trial under subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not exceed those specified in Section 68092.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 101 | + | ||
| 102 | + | (i)This section shall not apply to labor arbitrations filed pursuant to memoranda of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act (Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 3512) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code). | |
| 103 | + | ||
| 104 | + | ||
| 105 | + | ||
| 106 | + | ||
| 107 | + | ||
| 108 | + | ||
| 109 | + | ||
| 110 | + | (a)Whenever it is made to appear by verified petition to the superior court of the county where the records or some part thereof are situated that certain public records are being improperly withheld from a member of the public, the court shall order the officer or person charged with withholding the records to disclose the public record or show cause why the officer or person should not do so. The court shall decide the case after examining the record in camera, if permitted by subdivision (b) of Section 915 of the Evidence Code, papers filed by the parties and any oral argument and additional evidence as the court may allow. | |
| 111 | + | ||
| 112 | + | ||
| 113 | + | ||
| 114 | + | (b)If the court finds that the public officials decision to refuse disclosure is not justified under Section 6254 or 6255, the judge shall order the public official to make the record public. If the judge determines that the public official was justified in refusing to make the record public, the judge shall return the item to the public official without disclosing its content with an order supporting the decision refusing disclosure. | |
| 115 | + | ||
| 116 | + | ||
| 117 | + | ||
| 118 | + | (c)In an action filed on or after January 1, 1991, an order of the court, either directing disclosure by a public official or supporting the decision of the public official refusing disclosure, is not a final judgment or order within the meaning of Section 904.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure from which an appeal may be taken, but shall be immediately reviewable by petition to the appellate court for the issuance of an extraordinary writ. Upon entry of any order pursuant to this section, a party shall, in order to obtain review of the order, file a petition within 20 days after service upon that party of a written notice of entry of the order, or within such further time not exceeding an additional 20 days as the trial court may for good cause allow. If the notice is served by mail, the period within which to file the petition shall be increased by five days. A stay of an order or judgment shall not be granted unless the petitioning party demonstrates it will otherwise sustain irreparable damage and probable success on the merits. Any person who fails to obey the order of the court shall be cited to show cause why that person is not in contempt of court. | |
| 119 | + | ||
| 120 | + | ||
| 121 | + | ||
| 122 | + | (d)Notwithstanding Section 998 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the requester should the requester prevail in litigation filed pursuant to this section. The costs and fees shall be paid by the public agency of which the public official is a member or employee and shall not become a personal liability of the public official. If the court finds that the requesters case is clearly frivolous, it shall award court costs and reasonable attorneys fees to the public agency. | |
| 123 | + | ||
| 124 | + | ||
| 125 | + | ||
| 126 | + | (e)Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a requesters right to obtain fees and costs pursuant to subdivision (d) or pursuant to any other law. |