06.03.13
California Gov. Edmund Brown Jr. has proposed reforms “to strengthen and restore the intent of Proposition 65.” In making this announcement, the governor stated, “Proposition 65 is a good law that’s helped many people, but it’s being abused by unscrupulous lawyers.” The governor also identified the law as intended to “protect Californians from harmful chemicals.”
The announcement stated the California Environmental Protection Agency would work with the state’s legislature, as well as stakeholders, to discuss needed reforms.
Specific ideas for reform included capping or limiting attorney’s fees in Proposition 65 cases; requiring stronger demonstration by plaintiffs that they have information to support claims before litigation begins; requiring greater disclosure of plaintiff’s information; setting limits on the amount of money in an enforcement case that can go into settlement funds in lieu of penalties; providing the state with the ability to adjust the level at which Proposition 65 warnings are needed for chemicals that cause reproductive harm; and requiring more useful information to the public on what they are being exposed to and how they can protect themselves.
The announcement stated the California Environmental Protection Agency would work with the state’s legislature, as well as stakeholders, to discuss needed reforms.
Specific ideas for reform included capping or limiting attorney’s fees in Proposition 65 cases; requiring stronger demonstration by plaintiffs that they have information to support claims before litigation begins; requiring greater disclosure of plaintiff’s information; setting limits on the amount of money in an enforcement case that can go into settlement funds in lieu of penalties; providing the state with the ability to adjust the level at which Proposition 65 warnings are needed for chemicals that cause reproductive harm; and requiring more useful information to the public on what they are being exposed to and how they can protect themselves.