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RI H7645

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/11/2026

Primary Sponsor

Hagan McEntee

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Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Extends the deadline for a party to apply for a stay of arbitration from 20 days to 180 days after receiving a notice of intention to arbitrate

  • Exempts arbitration agreements governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16) from Rhode Island's state arbitration chapter

  • Declares null and void any agreement provision that discriminates against or penalizes a party for retaining legal counsel in arbitration proceedings

  • Requires arbitration providers to send notice of default to drafting parties who fail to pay required fees within 30 days, with a 15-day cure period before the party is deemed in material breach

  • Requires notices of intention to arbitrate to include in bold, highlighted print the rights being waived by failure to apply for a stay of arbitration

  • Takes effect January 1, 2027

Legislative Description

Extends time for a party to apply for stay of arbitration to180 days; invalidates any provision that penalizes a party for seeking legal representation; requires arbitrator to provide notice of default to a party for failure to pay fees.

Courts And Civil Procedure

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

2/26/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/11/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available