CDI Ends Applied Underwriters’ ‘Bait-And-Switch’ Practices in California

Last week, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) reached a settlement agreement with Applied Underwriters, holding the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary accountable and ending its bait-and-switch marketing tactics to sell its workers’ compensation products. Applied Underwriters has agreed to drop its petition to block the CDI’s enforcement action and come into compliance with well recognized state…

California’s Bathroom Bill

In 2016, Assembly Bill No. 1732, also known as the “All-Gender” Bathroom Bill (Bathroom Bill), was introduced to the California legislature and subsequently signed into law by Governor Brown.  The Bathroom Bill was sponsored by California NOW, Equality California, and the Transgender Law Center because “restrict[ing] access to single-occupancy restrooms by gender create problems of…

Class Action Update: Arbitration Clauses Cannot Bar Claims for Public Injunctive Relief

Today, many businesses use arbitration as a means of resolving claims that arise. Indeed, many California consumer agreements contain arbitration clauses. However, the California Supreme Court recently narrowed the protection of arbitration agreements with class action waivers. Financial services entities and other businesses will be required to review their current contractual provisions to ensure compliance…

California Supreme Court: Public Employees’ Work-Related Texts and Emails on Private Devices are “Public Records”

According to the California Supreme Court, public employees’ communications about official agency business may be subject to California Public Records Act (CPRA). This extends to communications on personal computers, smartphones, tablets, etc… While this is a case involving a public sector employer and the CPRA, I foresee that it may – and sooner than later…