SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1417

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 12, 2026

      The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 1417.

      As amended, this bill requires a party in an arbitration proceeding to be represented by an attorney in certain circumstances, at the party’s own expense.

      Specifically, under the bill, a party to an arbitration proceeding concerning a claim for personal injury protection coverage will be required to be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in New Jersey.

This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to clarify that the retention of an attorney as required by the bill is at the party’s own expense and make a technical amendment.