Civil procedure: attorney's fees.

Existing law authorizes a court, upon motion, to award attorney's fees to a successful party against public entities in any action that has resulted in the enforcement of an important right affecting the public interest, if certain conditions are met, but does not authorize an award of attorney's fees in favor of a public entity, except in limited circumstances. This bill would instead authorize the award of attorney's fees in those actions both against, and in favor of, public entities unless both parties mutually agree to forego the recovery of attorney's fees, as specified. This bill would also, notwithstanding any other law, entitle a city, county, or city and county that prevails in a civil action that provides for attorney's fees and costs to those reasonable attorney's fees, in addition to other costs, unless the parties stipulate to forego the recovery of attorney's fees.