Hidden Hills Law Strengthens Government Accountability
News related to:The City of Hidden Hills · 2 min read
HIDDEN HILLS, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has signed Assembly Bill 2529 (Johnson) into law, marking the completion of a significant piece of legislation that has been a collaborative effort between the city of Hidden Hills and the city of Carson. The bill, which passed the State Senate with a unanimous vote of 39-0 on August 27 after clearing the Assembly with a vote of 62-4 in May, will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Assembly Bill 2529, also known as Johnson, amends Section 910.2 of the Government Code, requiring that any claim against a public entity or public employee include a declaration that its contents are "true and correct." Prior to this legislation, courts had allowed claimants to file their own independent written claims with no verification of their factual assertions. The new law closes this gap by establishing one uniform statewide standard.
The bill's passage is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the city of Hidden Hills and the city of Carson, who conceived the concept and secured Assemblymember Natasha Johnson of the 63rd Assembly District as author. The legislation was supported by a coalition that included the California Contract Cities Association, Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), and a number of individual cities.
Beginning January 1, 2027, the new law will require that any claim against a public entity or public employee must include a factual affirmation at the earliest stage of the claim. This will discourage claims filed primarily to generate settlement leverage and preserve legal rights, leaving substantive law and access to the courts unchanged.
The city of Hidden Hills has been at the forefront of legislative and policy innovation, making it a leader in California. In 2025, Hidden Hills adopted Ordinance No. 393, becoming the first municipality in the state to legally restrict high-risk outdoor activities during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings. This 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.
In 2021, Hidden Hills also reduced speed limits on its roads well ahead of other California cities that have now followed suit. The city was also one of the first in the country to ban rodenticides and has implemented environmentally forward construction rules, including strict dust mitigation and draft hydrant requirements.
The city of Hidden Hills, under the leadership of its council, has demonstrated a commitment to government accountability and environmental protection. The new legislation is another step in this ongoing journey, ensuring that taxpayers are not unfairly burdened by frivolous claims. The city's legislative advocacy program, initiated by Hidden Hills Councilmember Laura McCorkindale in 2019, has proven to be a valuable tool in creating meaningful reform.
The passage of AB 2529 is a significant step forward in ensuring that public entities and public employees are held accountable for their actions, while also preserving the integrity of the legal system. The city of Hidden Hills continues to be a leader in innovative and forward-thinking policies, setting a new standard for other municipalities to follow.