Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) was presented with the 2014 Civil Justice Award by the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC), for her commitment to reforming lawsuit abuse in California.

“Lawsuit abuse continues to cripple our communities by harming small business owners, employees, and consumers alike,” said Olsen. “I remain committed to restoring the integrity of our state access laws to provide equal access to all consumers, and to help small businesses in California flourish.”

CJAC is a non-profit, membership-supported coalition of citizens, taxpayers, businesses, local governments, professionals, manufacturers, financial institutions, insurers, and medical organizations working to reduce excessive and unwarranted litigation. The coalition helped to pass Proposition 64 in 2004 to stop “shakedown” lawsuits from being filed against businesses by private lawyers.

“Businesses should not have to close because of greedy and predatory attorneys and plaintiffs,” said Olsen.

CJAC annually recognizes individuals whose commitment to fairness and balance in California’s civil justice system benefits consumers, taxpayers, and businesses of all kinds.

“Kristin Olsen is one of Sacramento's finest,” said Kim Stone, President of CJAC. “She has advocated for fairness and reform in abusive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access lawsuits. CJAC is pleased to honor Republican Leader Olsen with the Civil Justice Leadership Award.”

Cecil Russell, the President and CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce said, “Assemblymember Olsen continually demonstrates her commitment to balance the Civil Justice system that benefits consumers, tax payers and businesses. We applaud her commitment and efforts.”

Olsen was presented with the Award Nov. 10 at a ceremony in Modesto.