New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01219

Introduced
1/9/25  
Refer
1/9/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Engrossed
3/19/25  
Refer
3/19/25  
Engrossed
3/25/26  

Caption

Requires disclosure of possible conflicts of an arbitrator; 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.

Summary

Bill A01219 aims to amend the civil practice law and rules concerning arbitration by establishing clear definitions and requirements for arbitrators regarding potential conflicts of interest. It mandates that arbitrators disclose any known facts that could affect their impartiality, including financial interests or relationships with parties involved in the arbitration. The bill also specifies that failure to disclose such information could be grounds for vacating an arbitration award, thereby enhancing transparency and fairness in arbitration proceedings.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of arbitration in New York by ensuring that all arbitrators are held to strict disclosure standards. It would reinforce the principle that arbitration must be conducted by neutral parties without undisclosed interests, thereby protecting the rights of the parties involved. This change could lead to more equitable outcomes in arbitration cases and may influence how arbitration agreements are drafted in the future, as parties will need to ensure compliance with these new standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01219 appears to be largely favorable, as evidenced by its passage through the Assembly Judiciary Committee with unanimous support and a significant majority in the final Assembly vote. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary reform to improve the integrity of arbitration, while some dissenting voices express concerns about potential delays and increased litigation costs associated with the new disclosure requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns raised by some legislators regarding the practical implications of the disclosure requirements. Critics argue that the bill may inadvertently complicate arbitration processes and lead to increased legal challenges based on arbitrator disclosures. Proponents counter that the benefits of ensuring impartiality and transparency outweigh these concerns, emphasizing the importance of trust in arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism.

Companion Bills

NY S00086

Same As Requires disclosure of possible conflicts of an arbitrator; 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.

Previously Filed As

NY S00086

Requires disclosure of possible conflicts of an arbitrator; 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 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 S09791

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 S07440

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 S05425

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 A06907

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 SB227

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.