S.F. No. 891 - Uniform Arbitration Act Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Arbitration Act in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 572B, effective August 1, 2011, replacing the previous arbitration law (sections 572.08-572.30)

• Establishes comprehensive arbitration procedures including agreement validity, arbitrator appointment and disclosure requirements, hearing processes, witness subpoenas, and award confirmation/modification/vacation standards

• Applies to arbitration agreements entered on or after August 1, 2011, and allows pre-2011 agreements to opt into the new law by written consent

• Protects arbitrator immunity from civil liability similar to judicial immunity and establishes grounds for vacating awards (corruption, fraud, partiality, exceeded powers, improper notice)

• Includes conforming amendments to existing Minnesota laws referencing arbitration procedures in motor fuel franchises, teacher employment disputes, labor disputes, sales representative agreements, vehicle warranty disputes, and county cost disputes