Harabedian Bill to Expand Court Mediation Clears Senate Committee

A bill that would expand the use of court-ordered mediation in Los Angeles County has passed the state Senate Judiciary Committee, advancing a measure its author says is aimed at easing congested trial calendars and improving timely access to justice.

Assemblymember John Harabedian, D-Pasadena, announced that AB 1950 cleared the committee. The legislation would allow judges in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to refer any civil matter to mediation, regardless of the amount in dispute. It creates a temporary pilot program, scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2032, giving the court an opportunity to assess the program’s effectiveness.

“We must provide Los Angeles County courts with the proper tools needed to manage their increasing caseloads, so they can minimize costly delays for litigants and prioritize efficient resolutions for disputes,” Harabedian said in a statement. “This bill expands access to mediation, which will alleviate strain on the courts and provides a more efficient and fair justice system for the residents of Los Angeles County.”

Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II of the Los Angeles County Superior Court was quoted in the same announcement. “Today’s vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand timely access to justice for the people of Los Angeles County,” Tapia said.

“AB 1950 provides judges with a practical and flexible tool to connect resolution-ready cases with our robust mediation programs, helping litigants resolve disputes more efficiently while fully preserving every party’s right to a timely trial,” he said. “This legislation reflects a thoughtful, data-informed approach to addressing the challenges facing our civil justice system and underscores the value of innovation in the service of the public.”

Tapia thanked Harabedian and the committee, and said the court would keep studying the pilot. “As we continue to gather and evaluate data from the pilot program, we look forward to sharing insights with policymakers that may help inform future efforts to strengthen dispute resolution and improve access to justice across California,” he said. “Together, these efforts advance our fundamental mission to ensure that every person who comes before our courts can obtain fair, timely, and meaningful access to justice.”

According to Harabedian, AB 1950 seeks to reduce crowded trial calendars, address court backlogs, lower litigation costs for parties, and promote faster resolutions for those seeking justice. That would be achieved by expanding early opportunities for collaborative dispute resolution before adding to already strained case dockets.

Harabedian represents the 41st Assembly District, composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.

AB 1950 now heads to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.