State government.

Senator Allen's comprehensive legislation modifies California's approach to childhood sexual assault claims, educational financing, and public entity tort judgments through amendments to multiple state codes. The bill removes time limitations for filing childhood sexual assault claims occurring after January 1, 2024, while instituting new evidentiary requirements for historical cases.

For claims alleging assaults before January 1, 2006, plaintiffs must provide clear and convincing corroborating evidence beyond their testimony. This requirement advances annually, applying to progressively more recent cases each year. The legislation mandates certificates of merit from both attorneys and mental health practitioners to substantiate these claims.

The bill extends the maximum repayment period for school district emergency apportionments from 20 to 30 years. School districts, county offices of education, community college districts, and educational joint powers authorities may elect to participate in state or local intercepts to secure financing for public debt obligations. The Department of Finance determines repayment terms in consultation with relevant educational and fiscal authorities.

For tort actions against public entities, the legislation modifies payment structures for judgments. Public entities must pay 25% of nonpunitive damages immediately, with the remaining 75% payable over up to 20 years. The bill allows local public entities to initiate bond validity actions before tort judgment entry and establishes procedures for handling collateral source payments, including mandatory disclosure requirements and potential sanctions for non-compliance.

Courts retain jurisdiction to enforce payment schedules and modify terms as needed. The legislation requires specific jury instructions regarding damage awards and establishes procedures for post-trial hearings on collateral source payment reductions. County fiscal officers and the State Controller execute apportionments based on detailed payment schedules submitted by participating entities.