HB1438 Summary

• Establishes the Arkansas Arbitration Act as a comprehensive framework governing arbitration agreements and proceedings in the state.

• Written agreements to arbitrate existing or future controversies are valid and enforceable except on grounds that would invalidate any contract, with exceptions for personal injury/tort matters, employer-employee disputes, and insurance policies.

• Provides court procedures for compelling arbitration, staying arbitration, appointing arbitrators, and reviewing arbitration awards through confirmation, modification, or vacation.

• Defines arbitrator qualifications, disclosure requirements, witness/subpoena procedures, and remedies available in arbitration, including attorney's fees and damages authorized by law.

• Specifies venue, jurisdiction, and appeals procedures for arbitration-related court actions, and excludes application to personal injury matters, labor disputes, and insurance contracts.