Taxpayers Protection Alliance reports 72% of California voters say lawsuit abuse drives rising prices

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance announced on X that a new bipartisan poll found 72% of California voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising prices for families.

Tort reform has been an enduring and contentious issue in California, where critics argue that frivolous litigation imposes widespread economic burdens. According to The Center Square, a poll conducted by Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) of registered California voters found widespread concern about the impact of lawsuit abuse on everyday costs. PACT’s executive director, Lauren Zelt, emphasized that voters perceive a "hidden tax" on everything from prescription medications to soaps due to the liability costs passed on by companies facing lawsuits.

According to PACT’s May survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, a striking 72% of California voters—nearly three in four—believe that lawsuit abuse is a key driver of rising living costs for families in the state. The poll, as reported by PACT on June 12, 2025, highlights that this sentiment transcends partisan lines, framing lawsuit abuse as a bipartisan concern among Californians. Moreover, the poll results indicate strong public desire for legislative action, with many voters urging their representatives to pursue meaningful tort reform.

A study by The Perryman Group, published via PACT on April 24, 2025, estimates that average California households lose approximately $8,306 annually due to excessive litigation—substantially more than the national average. The study breaks down these losses, revealing that inflated costs on essentials—like prescription medications (up ~10.5%), home insurance (~5.3%), health insurance (~3.2%), auto insurance (~2.9%), and even soap/detergent (~2.5%)—total roughly $3,876 in additional expenses per household. In addition, reduced earnings account for nearly $4,430 in income loss, further compounding the financial strain for families across the state.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group dedicated to advancing fiscal responsibility, consumer protection, and government accountability at the local, state, and federal levels.