John Harabedian (Photo – Office of John Harabedian)
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assemblymember John Harabedian’s AB 1950 into law, establishing a temporary mediation pilot program in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
By News Desk
The legislation is intended to address delays in one of the nation’s largest and busiest court systems, where civil cases can require significant time and resources to resolve.
Under AB 1950, the court will be able to test broader use of court-ordered mediation and evaluate whether the approach can reduce delays and improve access to justice. Mediation gives parties an opportunity to reach an agreement without proceeding through a full trial.
The pilot will allow judges to direct cases to mediation based on the circumstances of individual cases rather than relying on a monetary threshold. Litigants will retain their constitutional right to a trial.
“AB 1950 is about making our courts work better for the people who rely on them,” Harabedian said. “When cases sit on crowded dockets for months or years, everyone pays the price. This pilot gives judges another tool to resolve cases earlier and helps make sure Californians have meaningful access to justice without unnecessary delays.”
Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia II said the measure gives the civil bench greater discretion to direct cases to mediation while preserving litigants’ trial rights.
“With Governor Newsom’s signature, AB 1950 stands as a landmark achievement in our enduring pursuit of a justice system worthy of every resident of Los Angeles County,” Tapia said.
Tapia also said the measure provides a budget-neutral way to ease pressure on judicial resources and expand options for resolving disputes.
The pilot will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and expire Jan. 1, 2032. During that period, the Los Angeles County Superior Court will report to the Legislature on the program’s use and effectiveness. The reports will allow lawmakers to evaluate whether the approach reduces delays and improves case outcomes.
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