New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07440

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Authorizes the vacating of an arbitration award on the basis of arbitrator disregard of the law.

Impact

Should S07440 be enacted, it would alter the existing protocols for challenging arbitration awards. The inclusion of 'manifest disregard of the law' as a basis for vacating arbitration awards provides a clearer avenue for parties who feel wronged by arbitrator decisions. This could lead to more rigorous scrutiny of arbitration awards, promoting the fair application of law in arbitration proceedings. Legal experts and stakeholders in arbitration could see this as a method to bolster the integrity of the arbitration process.

Summary

Bill S07440 aims to amend the civil practice law and rules in New York to explicitly allow for the vacating of arbitration awards when an arbitrator demonstrates a manifest disregard of the law during the arbitration process. This legislative proposal is significant as it addresses the legal framework surrounding arbitration, a common method for resolving disputes outside of traditional court systems. The bill intends to enhance the accountability of arbitrators and ensures adherence to established legal standards when making awards.

Conclusion

Overall, S07440 has the potential to significantly impact arbitration practices within New York by allowing for the vacating of awards on the basis of legal disregard by arbitrators, reshaping how arbitration is viewed as a mechanism for conflict resolution, and fostering a more law-oriented dialogue in arbitration cases.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it strengthens legal oversight and promotes fairness in dispute resolution, opponents may raise concerns about potential overreach and increased litigation stemming from more vacated arbitration awards. Detractors might contend that the introduction of this bill could undermine the reliability of arbitration as a final resolution mechanism, potentially leading to more disputes being brought back to courts, which contradicts the purpose of arbitration.

Companion Bills

NY A05671

Same As Authorizes the vacating of an arbitration award on the basis of arbitrator disregard of the law.

Previously Filed As

NY S03263

Authorizes the vacating of an arbitration award on the basis of arbitrator disregard of the law.

NY A03775

Authorizes the vacating of an arbitration award on the basis of arbitrator disregard of the law.

NY A00706

Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.

NY S03259

Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.

NY S00461

Requires disclosure of possible conflicts; provides for the vacating of an arbitration award on the ground that the arbitrator was affiliated in any way with any party, or has a financial interest directly or indirectly in any party or in the outcome of the arbitration.

NY A00925

Requires disclosure of possible conflicts; provides for the vacating of an arbitration award on the ground that the arbitrator was affiliated in any way with any party, or has a financial interest directly or indirectly in any party or in the outcome of the arbitration.

NY S04107

Provides that arbitration awards in consumer and employment disputes, where the arbitration is conducted pursuant to a contract, shall include all issues in dispute and the arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law.

NY A03450

Provides that arbitration awards in consumer and employment disputes, where the arbitration is conducted pursuant to a contract, shall include all issues in dispute and the arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law.

NY S05591

Enacts the "fairness for accident victims act"; provides that with respect to a serious personal injury action still permissible under the no-fault insurance system, the award or decision of an arbitrator or master arbitrator rendered in a no-fault arbitration will not constitute a collateral estoppel of the issues arbitrated.

NY A05646

Enacts the "fairness for accident victims act"; provides that with respect to a serious personal injury action still permissible under the no-fault insurance system, the award or decision of an arbitrator or master arbitrator rendered in a no-fault arbitration will not constitute a collateral estoppel of the issues arbitrated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.