California Adopts FAA Exclusions into State Arbitration Law
California Adopts FAA Exclusions into State Arbitration Law
US · Published Jul 8, 2026
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2155 into law on June 30, 2026, which will take effect on January 1,
The law amends the California Arbitration Act (CAA) to incorporate exclusions under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). This means arbitration agreements that are unenforceable under the FAA will also be unenforceable under the CAA. The legislation specifically highlights the FAA's transportation-worker exemption and the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA) as examples of exclusions now adopted into California law.

Impact & Risks

The new law significantly impacts California employers who rely on arbitration agreements. Employers can no longer use the CAA as a fallback when arbitration agreements are excluded under the FAA. This change particularly affects transportation workers and cases involving sexual harassment or assault, as these are explicitly covered under the FAA exclusions. Employers may face increased litigation risks and will need to reassess their arbitration strategies.

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