Bill > SB82

This bill addresses consumer protection in contracts for goods and services by establishing new limitations on arbitration agreements starting January 1, 2026. The bill requires that dispute resolution provisions in consumer use agreements be strictly limited to the specific good, service, money, or credit outlined in the original agreement. It defines key terms like "consumer" and "consumer use agreement" by referencing existing legal definitions, and explicitly states that any attempt to waive these provisions is void and unenforceable. The bill emphasizes consumer protection by mandating that its provisions be "liberally construed" to safeguard consumer interests. Importantly, the legislation does not replace or supersede existing consumer protection laws but instead adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring that consumers cannot be forced into broad arbitration agreements that extend beyond the specific contract they originally signed. The bill aims to prevent businesses from using overly broad arbitration clauses that might limit a consumer's ability to seek fair resolution of disputes directly related to the goods or services they've purchased.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB82