HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 86-121 N.C.S. 05/19/1986FZesolution No. 86-~z-~ N.C.s.
of the City of Petaluma, California
ENDORSING PROPOSITION 51 ON THE JUNE 3, 1986 BALLOT:
THE FAIR RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1986
WHEREAS, the present court-adopted doctrine of "joint and several
liability" operates as a "Deep Pocket Doctrine," and has unfairly cost the
taxpayers and consumers of California millions of dollars in court
judgments, settlements, legal costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums and
difficulty in obtaining adequate liability insurance coverage; 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, ultimately this cost 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 reform
the inequities and injustices of this "Deep Pocket Doctrine" by holding
liability lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer proportion to their
degree of actual fault;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Petaluma endorses the "Fair Responsibility Act of 1986" and urges its
support and passage to relieve the financial strain imposed on local
government and its taxpayers .
CC
Under the powez and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the App d as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) -{t~djrnrrnecl}- (-Spe~~atj meeting fo
on the -19th.....-...... day of ........MAY ..............................•-----•--•--, 1986-., by the
following vote:
Attorney
AYES: SOBEL, CAVANAGH, DAVIS, WOOLSEY, TENCER, VICE-MAY
BALSHAW, MAYOR MATTEI
NOES: -0-
ABSENT: -~' .„r.,~sa~
. ,
ATTEST: ..- -• •~(~ j,-•------rlcu~fg~ ,:
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Cit Clerk /CL~ ~~~AG~ Mayor
~ Clouncil File........---°-- ----...-°---......
CA 10-85 Res. rv~.....8.6,-12.1,:.... v..cs.