R 1903
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RESOLUTION NO. 1903
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ENDORSING THE
"FAIR RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1986"
WHEREAS, the present joint and several liability law, also known as the
"Deep Pocket Doctrine," has unfairly cost the cities of California millions
of do 11 ars in court judgments, settlements, legal costs, skyrocketing
insurance premiums and difficulty in obtaining adequate liability insurance
coverage; and
WHEREAS, this same doctrine has also cost other governmental bodies,
business firms and professionals many millions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, ultimately this cost is unfairly borne by the taxpayers and
consumers of California; and
WHEREAS, many cities, other governmental bodies, business firms and
professionals are selected as defendants in lawsuits merely because of their
perceived assets or insurance and often are found only fractionally at fault
but must pay most or all of the judgment because the defendants most at
fault cannot pay, and
WHEREAS, the cost of this is unfairly borne by the taxpayers and
consumers of California, and
WHEREAS, the "Fair Responsibility Act of 1986" is an initiative measure
that would give the voters of California an opportunity to reform the
inequities and injustices of the "Deep Pocket Doctrine" by holding liability
lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer proportion to their degree
of fault.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Counc il of the City of
Arroyo Grande does endorse the "Fair Responsibil ity Act of 1986" and urges
its support and passage to relieve the financial strain imposed on local
government and its taxpayers.
On motion of Counci 1 Member Gallagher , seconded by Counci 1 Member
Moots, and on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Gallagher, Johnson, Moots, Porter and Mayor Smith
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted the 12th day of November, 1985.
'13\~~
MAYOR
t ATTEST: '1'2cM7 a. ~
CITY CLE
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