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RESOLUTION NO. 86-25
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH
SUPPORTING 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 cost of this 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 the "Deep Pocket Doctrine" by holding
liability lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer proportion to
their degree of fault;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Ukiah 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.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of December , 1985, by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Counci]members Henderson, Kier, H~ckey, and Mayor Myers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Counc~]member Kelley
Mayor
ATTEST:
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