Mediation Magazine Publishes Article by Brenda Radmacher and Jay Houghton on California's Fair Payment Act

Mediation Magazine republished Brenda Radmacher and Jay Houghton's article, "How California's Fair Payment Act will reshape construction disputes in 2026." The piece, published on April 6, 2026, discusses California's new Private Works Change Order Fair Payment Act, which applies to private construction contracts entered into on or after Jan. 1, 2026. It originally appeared in the Daily Journal on December 11, 2025.

The authors detail why the act matters, what it covers, and its enforcement related provisions and subcontractor protections. They underscore the adverse impacts of failing to comply with the new legislation, noting:

"The Fair Payment Act will strengthen contractors’ payment protections by imposing strict compliance obligations on owners. An owner’s failure to comply with the new requirements can – and likely will – be met with significant late-payment interest, work stoppages and an increased risk of litigation."

The full article is available here.