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SB 353

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- ARBITRATION

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 2 co-sponsors

SB 353 modifies Rhode Island arbitration procedures in civil cases, potentially affecting dispute resolution access and costs for businesses and consumers.

05/23/2025 Meeting postponed (05/27/2025)
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Bill Summary · SB 353

Legislative bill overview

SB 353 modifies Rhode Island's arbitration procedures under the state's civil procedure rules. The bill addresses how arbitration cases are handled within the court system, though the specific amendments are not detailed in the provided legislative history.

Why is this important

Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that affects businesses, consumers, and workers by determining when and how disputes can be resolved outside traditional courts. Changes to arbitration procedures can impact access to justice, litigation costs, and the enforceability of arbitration agreements across various commercial and employment contexts.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of arbitration agreements – Whether the bill expands or limits when parties can be compelled into arbitration versus pursuing court cases
  • Consumer and worker protections – Concerns about whether arbitration procedures adequately protect vulnerable parties or shield powerful entities from accountability
  • Court system efficiency – Questions about whether arbitration changes reduce court caseloads or simply shift disputes without meaningful efficiency gains

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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