The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 10-3, "Arbitration," to clarify the enforceability of arbitration agreements, stating that they are irrevocable except on grounds that would revoke any contract. It mandates that arbitration clauses in primary insurance contracts be placed immediately before the signature section to be enforceable at the insurer's discretion. The bill also introduces a requirement for a notice of intention to arbitrate, which must be served like a summons or by registered or certified mail, and sets a 20-day deadline to apply for a stay of arbitration upon receiving such notice. New sections 10-3-22 and 10-3-23 guarantee the right to attorney representation in arbitration, which cannot be waived, and detail the fees and costs for initiating arbitration. Failure by the drafting party to pay these fees within 30 days results in a material breach and default, waiving their right to compel arbitration. The bill also allows an employee or consumer to withdraw a claim from arbitration and proceed in court or compel arbitration, with the drafting party responsible for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

The bill further addresses the consequences of the drafting party's failure to pay arbitration fees and costs within the specified 30-day period. In such cases, the employee or consumer can choose to withdraw the claim and pursue it in court, continue arbitration if the provider agrees, petition the court to compel payment, or pay the fees themselves and seek reimbursement through arbitration. If the drafting party's breach leads to court proceedings, the employee or consumer may recover all related attorneys' fees and costs, and the court must sanction the drafting party. If arbitration continues, the arbitrator must impose appropriate sanctions on the drafting party. The court is also empowered to impose monetary sanctions and other penalties on the drafting party for the breach. The act becomes effective upon passage.