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AB 1523

Court-ordered mediation.

2025-2026 Regular Session

California law now requires court-ordered mediation in specified civil disputes before trial, aiming to reduce court backlogs and settlement costs while raising concerns about mandatory participation burdens and access equity.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 201, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 1523

Legislative bill overview

AB 1523 establishes a framework for court-ordered mediation in California civil cases, requiring parties to participate in mediation proceedings before certain disputes proceed to trial. The bill modifies existing dispute resolution procedures to make mediation a mandatory intermediate step in specified case types, with exceptions for cases meeting particular criteria.

Why is this important

Court-ordered mediation can reduce trial backlogs, lower litigation costs for parties, and increase settlement rates by encouraging structured negotiation before full litigation. However, this policy affects access to courts and may delay resolution for some litigants while potentially benefiting others through faster, less expensive outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandatory participation burden: Requires parties to invest time and resources in mediation even when litigation may be preferable, potentially delaying resolution for cases unlikely to settle
  • Cost and equity concerns: Mediation fees may create financial barriers for lower-income litigants, raising access-to-justice questions despite potential long-term cost savings
  • Scope and exceptions: The specific case types subject to mandatory mediation and exemption criteria will significantly impact implementation; unclear or broad definitions could affect civil litigation broadly

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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