SB227
Arbitration; high-volume service providers, selection of arbitrator, civil remedies.
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Feb. 3, 2026
House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Chief Patron:
Scott Surovell (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Arbitration; high-volume arbitration service providers; selection of arbitrator; civil remedies.
Requires a high-volume arbitration service provider, defined in the bill as a person or entity that administers, facilitates, or provides arbitration services in the Commonwealth and that conducts more than 500 arbitrations involving any transaction, agreement, or dispute that arises out of, relates to, or is otherwise connected with activities, ... (More) relationships, or events occurring within the Commonwealth, to establish and maintain certain procedures related to the selection of an arbitrator. The bill requires a high-volume arbitration service provider to provide to parties who are unable to agree upon an arbitrator an acceptable impartial system for arbitrator selection. Under the bill, a party aggrieved by a high-volume arbitration service provider that has failed to comply with such requirements may seek injunctive relief or other appropriate civil remedy or make an application with a circuit court to vacate an arbitration award in accordance with current law. The bill also requires all high-volume arbitration service providers to report information related to certain arbitrations annually with the State Corporation Commission and permits the Commission to impose a $10,000 civil penalty per violation on high-volume arbitration service providers who fail to comply with the provisions of the bill. Finally, the bill provides that these provisions shall apply to arbitration agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2026. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/10/2026 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100636D
- 01/10/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Courts of Justice Substitute
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (14-Y 1-N)
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Committee substitute printed 26105387D-S1
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Rules suspended
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: General Laws and Technology Substitute agreed to
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Read second time
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
- 01/27/2026 - Senate: Read third time and passed Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 01/28/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB227)
- 02/03/2026 - House: Placed on Calendar
- 02/03/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/03/2026 - House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
