Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2671

Introduced
3/1/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Report Pass
6/6/24  
Engrossed
6/11/24  
Enrolled
6/13/24  

Caption

Spells out additional notice provisions, fees and costs of the arbitration process, from initiation to default provisions and potential court sanctions for breach of the arbitration agreement.

Impact

The proposed law introduces significant changes to how arbitration procedures are governed. It stipulates that if the fees or costs necessary to initiate arbitration are not paid within thirty days after their due date, the drafting party will be deemed to have materially breached the arbitration agreement. This change serves to protect employees and consumers by allowing them more avenues for recourse if a drafting party fails to adhere to their contractual obligations.

Summary

S2671 is a legislative measure that seeks to amend provisions related to arbitration under the procedures in the Courts and Civil Procedure statutes. It establishes detailed requirements for the notice of intention to arbitrate, including stipulating that a party must inform another party of their intent to arbitrate and the ramifications of not responding within a specified timeframe. The bill aims to ensure clarity and fairness in arbitration agreements and proceedings.

Contention

S2671 has generated discussions regarding its implications for employers and businesses that rely on arbitration clauses in contracts. Critics argue that the amendments may create burdens for companies by increasing their potential liabilities and responsibilities regarding arbitration fees and costs. Supporters believe that the bill enhances consumer and employee rights by ensuring fair treatment and providing them with clearer rights in arbitration processes. The balance of interests between business operations and protections for individuals remains a central point of contention in the debates surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0426

Municipal Employees' Arbitration

RI H5180

Municipal Employees' Arbitration

RI S0140

Municipal Police Arbitration

RI S0428

Municipal Police Arbitration

RI H5183

Municipal Police Arbitration

RI S0141

Firefighters' Arbitration

RI H5182

Firefighters' Arbitration

RI S0823

Correctional Officers Arbitration

RI H5863

General Provisions

RI S0703

General Provisions

Similar Bills

CA SB707

Arbitration agreements: enforcement.

CA SB235

Civil discovery.

CA SB17

Civil discovery: sanctions.

RI H7952

Spells out additional notice provisions, fees and costs of the arbitration process, from initiation to default provisions and potential court sanctions for breach of the arbitration agreement.

CA SB762

Contracts.

IL SB2162

ARBITRATION-VARIOUS