Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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A flurry of new legislation, as well as a crucial state Supreme Court decision, are poised to bring about major changes for arbitration and mediation practice in California. Here is a summary of the recent major developments:

#MeToo Legislation
The California state legislature recently passed two bills designed to address concerns about workplace sexual harassment raised by the #MeToo movement. On Aug. 22, the California State Legislature passed AB 3080 (bill history is available at https:// bit.ly/2RBSRG6), which prevents employers from forcing new employees to sign mandatory arbitration agreements as a condition of their employment.

Two days later, the legislature passed SB 820, which prohibits settlement agreement provisions that prevent the disclosure workplace sexual assault, harassment or discrimination. (Bill history available at https://bit.ly/2CCPb2H.)