Arbitration Legislation in the 110th Congress

Senator Russell Feingold and Representative Hank Johnson introduced the Arbitration Fairness Act, S. 1782 and H.R. 3010, prohibiting pre-dispute binding mandatory arbitration for in employment, consumer, or franchise disputes, and disputes arising under any statute intended to protect civil rights or to regulate contracts or transactions between parties of unequal bargaining power. The legislation currently had 100 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Linda Sanchez introduced the Automobile Arbitration Fairness Act, H.R. 5312, prohibiting pre-dispute binding mandatory arbitration in automobile purchase contracts. The bill was voted out of the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law on July 15th, 2008.

Rep. Linda Sanchez introduced the Fair Nursing Home Arbitration Act, H.R. 6126, prohibiting pre-dispute binding mandatory arbitration in nursing home admissions contracts. The bill was voted out of the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law on July 15th, 2008, and out of the full Judiciary Committee on July 30th by a vote of 17-10. Senator Mel Martinez introduced a companion bill, S. 2838, that was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 11th, 2008.