CA SB235

Changes initial disclosure requirements in civil actions from court-ordered (within 45 days) to automatic upon demand by any party (within 60 days), unless modified by stipulation.

Expands disclosure obligations to include persons and records relevant to the subject matter of the action, and requires disclosure of all insurance policies and contractual agreements that could satisfy judgments through indemnification or reimbursement.

Allows parties to propound supplemental demands twice before trial and once after trial to elicit later-acquired information, with court discretion to grant one additional supplemental demand for good cause.

Changes verification requirement from penalty of perjury to written declaration by the party or authorized representative, or signature by party's counsel; exempts unrepresented parties from all requirements.

Increases discovery sanctions from $250 to $1,000 for failure to respond in good faith to document requests or failure to meet and confer; applies to civil actions filed on or after January 1, 2024, and repeals January 1, 2027.