Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that amends certain procedures regarding civil disputes in California.

Highlights:

• Prohibits sellers from requiring consumers to enter into a contract requiring arbitration outside of California for claims made in California (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes consumers to take their claims to small claims court for contracts that require arbitration, given that the dispute qualifies for small claims court (Sec. 1).

• Requires that arbitrating parties disclose any solicitation from private arbitration companies for consumer arbitration cases within the last 2 years, beginning January 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits solicitation from private arbitration companies for ongoing arbitration cases (Sec. 2).

• Requires the California state bar to provide certification methods for firms, providers, or practitioners to provide neutral arbitration services (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that amends certain procedures regarding civil disputes in California.

Highlights:

• Prohibits sellers from requiring consumers to enter into a contract requiring arbitration outside of California for claims made in California (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes consumers to take their claims to small claims court for contracts that require arbitration, given that the dispute qualifies for small claims court (Sec. 1).

• Requires that arbitrating parties disclose any solicitation from private arbitration companies for consumer arbitration cases within the last 2 years, beginning January 1, 2025 (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits solicitation from private arbitration companies for ongoing arbitration cases (Sec. 2).

• Requires the California state bar to provide certification methods for firms, providers, or practitioners to provide neutral arbitration services (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text