California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 2 — Of Civil Actions, Title 14 — Of Miscellaneous Provisions, Chapter 6 — Of Costs, Section 1022
When several actions are brought on one bond, undertaking, promissory note, bill of exchange, or other instrument in writing, or in any other case for the same cause of action, against several parties who might have been joined as defendants in the same action, no costs can be allowed to the plaintiff in more than one of such actions, which may be at his election, if the party proceeded against in the other actions were, at the commencement of the previous action, openly within this State; but the disbursements of the plaintiff must be allowed to him in each action.
Notes
Limits a plaintiff who brings multiple actions on the same written instrument or cause against parties who could have been joined to recovering costs in only one chosen action, if the other defendants were openly in California when the earlier action began. Requires the plaintiff’s disbursements to be allowed in each action.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 1022 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-14/chapter-6/section-1022