NY A09425

Removes the prohibition on maintaining class actions to recover statutory penalties or minimum measures of recovery, allowing such actions to proceed if other class action prerequisites are met.

Clarifies that class certification shall not be denied based on whether the action involves a governmental party or governmental operations.

Adds detailed procedures for appointing class counsel, requiring courts to consider counsel's work in identifying claims, experience with class actions, legal knowledge, and committed resources.

Requires court approval before class actions can be voluntarily dismissed, discontinued, compromised, or settled, with notice to affected class members and a hearing to determine fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy.

Permits class members to object to proposed dismissals or settlements, prohibiting payment to objectors in exchange for withdrawing objections unless court-approved, and takes effect January 1st following enactment.