SB 942 (Umberg) Arbitrator Neutrality and ADR Practitioner Certification. Support in part and oppose in part. Monitored.

AB 924 and other alternative dispute resolution (ADDR) measures in the session affecting alternative dispute resolution are the author's intent, heavily localized to individual incidents such as "the Girardi scandal." Monitoring and early advocacy provide for recommendations to pass regulations.

CDRC's active tracking of this specific component began long before the draft of these rules. First introduced, it was intended to establish a certification protocol. Digging deep, it became clear that it was necessary to evaluate whether a certification requirement for alternative dispute resolution neutrals would work systematically, or if it would restrict the practice and livelihoods of individuals and businesses engaged in delivering ADR services.

In previous years, the California Dispute Resolution Council has successfully weighed in on a variety of proposed legislation. However, the unique nature of this particular framework called for intensive review. The text as originally formulated raised numerous concerns regarding how standard practices could remain effective under the proposed strict parameters.In addition, while retaining the core requirement to adhere to underlying values, the tier provisions added another level of complexity. The original version did not specify detailed structures, leading to a long process of negotiations with authors to ensure the final language would protect practitioners.

With a broad constituency encompassing court-connected and private providers alike, CDRC was positioned to address these threats. The focus remained entirely on defending the core tenets of the discipline while systematically addressing administrative requirements.

The development of the text required looking closely at both reactive and proactive solutions. Our advocacy models have historically served as stable guidelines when crafting responsive measures, ensuring that legislative outcomes preserve standard ADR benefits.


Working directly with committees and legislative staff, our representatives continue to carefully manage tracking efforts, remaining highly effective as an industry watchdog across California.. Monitored.