California Construction’s New Era: Comply with Mandatory Dispute Resolution Process or Risk a Work Stoppage

Allison Etkin, Daniel Miktus and Emma Nargi | Akerman Beginning January 1, 2026, California has a new mandatory statutory procedure governing private construction disputes, and failure to comply may give contractors the right to suspend work without penalty. The new law provides a step-by-step procedure and defined timelines that both owners and contractors must follow… Continue reading California Construction’s New Era: Comply with Mandatory Dispute Resolution Process or Risk a Work Stoppage

California’s Retention Reform on Private Construction Projects

Michael T. McKeeman | The Construction Seyt Retention has long been a contentious issue in California construction. Traditionally, owners withheld retention of 10% from each progress payment until completion, arguing it was necessary to ensure performance, quality and timely delivery. Contractors and subcontractors, however, often struggled with cash flow, payroll, and material costs while waiting… Continue reading California’s Retention Reform on Private Construction Projects

California Construction Sites Face Uncertainty With New Fall Protection Rules

Kevin Bland, Adam Crane and Karen Tynan | Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA Standards Board) authorized a limited advisory committee to consider clarifications and training requirements for interior framing work, opening the door to further dialogue and clarification of the new fall protection rules. At… Continue reading California Construction Sites Face Uncertainty With New Fall Protection Rules

Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California: The Tiers Structure for Mediator Certification

American Arbitration Association Welcome back to Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California, a series providing updates on Business and Professions Code 6173 which created a voluntary certification program for mediators and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals in California. The new program “aims to promote adherence to ethical standard for ADR services and establish consumer… Continue reading Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California: The Tiers Structure for Mediator Certification

California Bill Seeks to Add ‘Transparency’ to Aerial Images Used by Insurers

Insurance Journal A California lawmaker is pushing to require insurers to notify homeowners in advance of taking or using aerial images of their property, and to stop insurers from basing decisions to cancel, non-renew, or reduce coverage based on aerial images older than 180 days. Assembly Bill was introduced last week by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon,… Continue reading California Bill Seeks to Add ‘Transparency’ to Aerial Images Used by Insurers