San Diego, December 28, 2025
San Diego County is proposing the creation of a dedicated legal office to hold polluters, landlords, and insurers accountable for harmful practices. The initiative aims to protect consumers through civil enforcement and is inspired by successful litigation programs in other California regions. Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer plans to introduce legislation to formally establish the office, which could be self-sustaining through settlements. Amid reduced federal consumer protections, local officials stress the need for county-level enforcement to address community issues effectively.
San Diego County Proposes Crackdown on Polluters, Landlords, and Insurers
San Diego County is considering the establishment of a dedicated legal office aimed at holding polluters, landlords, and insurers accountable for practices detrimental to residents. This initiative, spearheaded by Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, seeks to create a civil enforcement unit focused on consumer protection.
Proposed Structure and Funding
The proposed office would consist of approximately 20 staff members, including about 10 attorneys, with an annual budget of around $6 million. The funding model suggests that the unit could eventually become self-sustaining through settlements and recoveries, reducing reliance on the county’s general fund. This approach is inspired by similar affirmative litigation programs in other California jurisdictions, such as San Francisco’s consumer protection team, which has successfully pursued refunds and settlements against predatory lenders and other companies.
Rationale Behind the Initiative
The timing of this proposal coincides with perceived reductions in federal consumer protection efforts. For instance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has faced challenges, including court battles and a judge-ordered halt earlier this year. In response, local officials argue that the county must step in to address consumer grievances and enforce regulations effectively.
Potential Legal and Financial Considerations
Should the Board approve the proposal, county attorneys would need to address several key questions, including the scope of the office’s litigation, distribution of any settlements, and the reinvestment of recovered funds into staffing and enforcement. While affirmative litigation programs have been effective in other regions, they often encounter resistance from well-funded industry defendants and may face legal challenges.
Next Steps
Lawson-Remer plans to introduce legislation this spring to formally establish the office. The Board is expected to review the proposal alongside upcoming budget and reserve discussions, with committee hearings and budget talks anticipated early in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed legal office in San Diego County?
The proposed office is a dedicated legal unit aimed at holding polluters, landlords, and insurers accountable for practices detrimental to residents. It would focus on civil enforcement to protect consumers.
How would the proposed office be funded?
The office would have an annual budget of approximately $6 million, with the potential to become self-sustaining through settlements and recoveries, reducing reliance on the county’s general fund.
Why is this proposal being considered now?
The proposal coincides with perceived reductions in federal consumer protection efforts, prompting local officials to advocate for county-level enforcement to address consumer grievances effectively.
What are the next steps for this proposal?
Lawson-Remer plans to introduce legislation this spring to formally establish the office, with the Board expected to review the proposal alongside upcoming budget and reserve discussions.
Key Features of the Proposed Legal Office
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Hold polluters, landlords, and insurers accountable for practices harmful to residents. |
| Structure | Approximately 20 staff members, including 10 attorneys. |
| Budget | Annual budget of around $6 million, with potential for self-sustainability through settlements and recoveries. |
| Inspiration | Modeled after affirmative litigation programs in other California jurisdictions, such as San Francisco’s consumer protection team. |
| Timeline | Legislation to be introduced in spring; Board review alongside upcoming budget and reserve discussions. |
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