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Bill > SB227


VA SB227

VA SB227
Arbitration; high-volume service providers, selection of arbitrator, civil remedies.


summary

Introduced
01/10/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
01/26/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Arbitration; high-volume arbitration service providers; selection of arbitrator; civil remedies. Requires a high-volume arbitration service provider, defined in the bill as a person or entity that administers, facilitates, or provides arbitration services in the Commonwealth and that conducts more than 100 arbitrations, involving a consumer and any transaction, agreement, or dispute that arises out of, relates to, or is otherwise connected with activities, relationships, or events occurring within the Commonwealth, to establish and maintain certain procedures related to the selection of an arbitrator. Under the bill, a party aggrieved by a high-volume arbitration service provider that has failed to comply with such requirements may seek injunctive relief or other appropriate civil remedy or make an application with a circuit court to vacate an arbitration award in accordance with current law. The bill also requires all high-volume arbitration service providers to report information related to certain arbitrations annually with the State Corporation Commission and permits the Commission to impose a $10,000 civil penalty per violation on high-volume arbitration service providers who fail to comply with the provisions of the bill. Finally, the bill provides that these provisions shall apply to arbitration agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2026.

AI Summary

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, requires "high-volume arbitration service providers"—entities administering over 500 arbitrations annually related to Virginia—to implement fair and impartial systems for selecting arbitrators, especially when parties cannot agree, ensuring each party has an equal voice and that the selection process is transparent. These providers must also disclose potential conflicts of interest for arbitrators and report arbitration data to the State Corporation Commission, which can impose a $10,000 civil penalty per violation for non-compliance. Parties aggrieved by a provider's failure to comply can seek court intervention, including the ability to vacate an arbitration award if the arbitrator was selected improperly. The bill also addresses procedural issues like fee payments and tolling statutes of limitations in arbitration cases involving consumers and Virginia-connected transactions.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

House Courts of Justice Hearing (00:00:00 3/2/2026 House Committee Room C - 206) (on 03/02/2026)

bill text


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