Civil actions: settlement.

Existing law provides that if parties to pending litigation stipulate for settlement of the case, the court may enter judgment pursuant to the terms of the settlement. Existing law provides that the court may retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the settlement if requested by the parties. This bill would specify that, upon stipulation by the parties or their counsel, the court may dismiss the case without prejudice and retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the settlement. The bill would provide that if a plaintiff or other party seeking affirmative relief has filed a conditional notice of settlement, the court may, without stipulation from the parties or their counsel, dismiss the case without prejudice and retain jurisdiction to enforce the settlement. The bill would provide that, notwithstanding the court's entry of judgment or dismissal without prejudice, a party may file a motion or other document pertaining to the settlement, including an application for determination of good faith settlement, a motion for the reduction or determination of a lien, a petition related to the compromise of the claim of a minor or person with a disability, or, if the terms of a settlement are not performed, a motion for entry of judgment based upon such terms.