HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 7283 (Fair Responsibility Act 1986 Endorsment)RESOLUTION NO. 7283
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL 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 dollars 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 "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 defendents financially liable in closer proportion
to their degree of fault.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City
Council of the City of San Rafael endorse the "Fair Responsibility
Act of 1986" and urge its support and passage to relieve
the financial strain imposed on local government and its
taxpayers.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San
Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was
duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a Regular
meeting of the City Coucnil of said City held on Mondav
the Third day of February , 1986, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breinex, Frugoli, Nave, Russom & Mayor Mulryar
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
JEA E M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
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