Dec. 12, 2025
New laws make quick payments and limited retentions the rule in California
California's 2026 laws turn slow payments and oversized retentions into legal risks for construction contracts.
Daniel D. McMillan
Partner
Jones Day (Los Angeles)
Co-Leader of the Jones Day Global Construction Practice with a focus on Construction Domestic and International Arbitrations
Email: ddmcmillan@jonesday.com
Loyola Law School; Los Angeles CA
Dan's practice focuses on complex commercial, business, and construction litigation. As co-chair of the Firm's global construction practice, he represents owners, design professionals, and contractors in large construction disputes and in negotiating and drafting the full panoply of contracts for large projects.
After California counts down to midnight on Dec. 31, the
new year will arrive with champagne toasts, off-key renditions of Auld Lang Syne,
and booming fireworks. It will also bring significant changes to construction
law and private construction contracts thanks to two new statutes.
Sta...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In