CA AB501

Increases the civil penalty for knowingly filing false lawsuits, liens, or other encumbrances with intent to harass from $5,000 to $15,000

Requires the Secretary of State to notify any debtor named in a financing statement within 21 days after the financing statement is filed

Allows court fees incurred by a debtor in secured transaction disputes to be paid at the end of the judicial proceeding rather than upfront

Makes any party who violates the prohibition on false lien filings liable to the debtor for three times all court fees paid in the proceeding