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RI S2396
Bill
Status
1/30/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mark McKenney
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AI Summary
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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
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Exempts arbitration agreements governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16) from Rhode Island's state arbitration chapter
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Declares null and void any contract provision that discriminates against or penalizes a party for retaining an attorney in arbitration proceedings
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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
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Allows employees or consumers to withdraw claims from arbitration and proceed in court, with statute of limitations tolled, if the drafting party breaches by failing to pay fees
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Effective date: 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
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
1/30/2026