Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Chair Kathryn Barger to investigate and address recent allegations of fraud tied to civil claims filed under AB 218, the state law authored by Lorena Gonzalez that extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits.
Thousands of AB 218 claims have been filed against Los Angeles County, many involving individuals formerly in the County’s probation and foster care systems. The first round of settlements for approximately 11,000 plaintiffs will cost $4 billion–of which an exorbitant $1.5 billion will go directly to attorneys’ fees. This is the largest financial settlement in County history and there are more claims still pending.
Supervisor Barger’s motion directs County Counsel to immediately investigate allegations of misconduct, explore referrals to the California State Bar, strengthen oversight of settlement agreements, and establish a fraud hotline for reporting unethical or fraudulent behavior.
“Fraudulent claims do a grave disservice to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and to taxpayers,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This motion ensures we are protecting both by holding bad actors accountable while maintaining the integrity of a process designed to deliver justice and healing.”
Under the motion, County Counsel will report back within 14 days with updates on the claims review process and the implementation of a fraud reporting hotline.
“Every legitimate survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported,” Supervisor Barger added. “But we must make sure that those seeking to exploit this system are stopped in their tracks. This is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring County resources go to those who truly deserve them.”
These settlement claims are forcing the County into the difficult position of cutting off vital services to its communities with an initial 3% budget curtailment imposed on the majority of County Departments. County parks have had to close an additional day each week, limit staffing hours, and shorten pool season.
The Board of Supervisors has also heard from the Public Defender and the District Attorney about the impacts of the funding cuts on their ability to provide critical legal services.
Click here to view a video of Supervisor Barger speaking about the audacity of these claims and the impending impact on the County’s ability to serve its residents.