Statewide accountability law adds to a growing list of pioneering accomplishments for the small city of Hidden Hills

HIDDEN HILLS, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2529 (Johnson) into law, completing the path of a Government Claims Act reform conceived and co-sponsored by the Cities of Hidden Hills and Carson. The bill passed the State Senate 39-0 on August 27 after clearing the Assembly 62-4 in May. It takes effect January 1, 2027. 

AB 2529 amends Section 910.2 of the Government Code to require that any claim against a public entity or public employee include a declaration that its contents are "true and correct." 

Courts had previously allowed claimants to file their own independent written claims with no verification of their factual assertions. AB 2529 closes that gap with one uniform statewide standard.

"Until now, someone could file a claim against a city without any real obligation to stand behind the facts they alleged, while taxpayers were often left footing the bill simply to make the claim go away," said Hidden Hills Councilmember Eniko Gold. "AB 2529 brings greater accountability to that process."

Hidden Hills and Carson developed the concept, secured Assemblymember Natasha Johnson of the 63rd Assembly District as author, and built the coalition that carried it to the Governor's desk. They were joined by the California Contract Cities Association, Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), and a number of individual cities. 

"Sponsoring state legislation is one of the most underused tools of a city council. We experience firsthand where state law falls short and are lucky to be in a position to actually create reform, rather than absorb negative impacts and costs," said Hidden Hills Councilmember Laura McCorkindale, who initiated the City's legislative advocacy program when she joined the council in 2019.

Beginning January 1, 2027, AB 2529:

• Requires a factual affirmation at the earliest stage of a claim
• Discourages claims filed primarily to generate settlement leverage
• Preserves legal rights, leaving substantive law and access to the courts
• Unchanged

AB 2529 is the latest in a string of moves that have put Hidden Hills out in front. In 2025, working with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the City adopted Ordinance No. 393 and became the first municipality in the state to legally restrict high-risk outdoor activity during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings. On red flag days, the ordinance bans grading, demolition, open flames, outdoor smoking, gas and propane-powered maintenance equipment, and any tool or activity capable of throwing a spark. In 2021, Ordinance No. 374 banned every type of leaf blower, electric and battery-powered included, on parkways, roadways, streets, and pedestrian and equestrian trails, going well beyond the gas-only bans adopted elsewhere. And when state law opened the door for cities to lower speed limits, Hidden Hills moved immediately, reducing speeds on its roads well ahead of other California cities who have now followed suit. They were also one of the first cities in the country to ban rodenticides and have implemented environmentally forward construction rules, including strict dust mitigation and draft hydrant requirements.

About the City of Hidden Hills
Hidden Hills is a small general law city in Los Angeles County recognized for trailblazing local policy. Since 2021, the City has led California on wildfire prevention, environmental protection, public safety, and government accountability.

Contact:

David Quintana: (916) 217-2616 or Q@csga.com

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SOURCE City of Hidden Hills