CC Resolution 1986-036^ 3 RESOLUTION No. 86-36
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, URGING SUPPORT AND
PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION 51.
WHEREAS, the present joint and several liability law, also known
as the Deep Pocket Doctrine", has unfairly cost the cities of California
millions of dollars in court judgments, settlements, legal costs, sky-
rocketing insurance premiums and difficulty in obtaining adequate lia-
bility 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 frac-
tionally 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 re-
form the inequities and injustices of the Deep Pocket Doctrine" by
holding liability lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer pro-
portion to their degree of fault.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City
of La Quinta, California, endorse the Fair Responsibility Act of 1986"
and urge its support and passage to relieve the financial strain im-
posed on local government and its taxpayers.
APPROVED and ADOPTED this 20th day of May 1986.
ATTEST:
**
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
*m--*
CITY ATTORNEY *
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