AB 712: Housing reform laws: enforcement actions: fines and penalties.

This bill adds a new section to the government code that relates to housing. It allows a prevailing party in an action to enforce compliance with housing reform laws to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. A court can also impose fines on a local agency for non-compliance. The bill extends the period of limitation for actions under state law by 60 days, allowing the applicant to file a lawsuit after providing written notice. Additionally, the bill prohibits public agencies from requiring applicants to indemnify or hold harmless the agency in any action alleging a violation of the applicant's rights. The bill defines a housing reform law as a law that establishes or facilitates protections for applicants or imposes limitations on public agencies for their benefit.