NY S03661

Removes the existing prohibition on class actions seeking statutory penalties or minimum damages recoveries, which previously required specific statutory authorization to proceed as a class action

Prohibits courts from denying class certification solely because the lawsuit involves a government party or governmental operations, once other class action prerequisites are met

Establishes detailed procedures for court appointment of class counsel, requiring consideration of counsel's experience, knowledge of applicable law, investigative work, and resources committed to the case

Creates comprehensive rules for settlement, compromise, or dismissal of class actions, requiring court approval, notice to class members, and a hearing to determine if proposals are fair, reasonable, and adequate

Allows class members to object to proposed settlements with court approval required to withdraw objections, and prohibits payments to objectors for withdrawing objections without court approval