On February 19, 2026, the state of Tennessee made significant changes to its arbitration process, aiming to streamline and improve the efficiency of resolving disputes through arbitration. The Tennessee legislature passed a new bill that will impact how arbitration agreements are enforced and administered in the state.One of the key changes included in the new bill is the requirement for parties to arbitration agreements to specify the governing law and the rules that will apply to the arbitration process. This aims to provide clarity and transparency for all parties involved in arbitration proceedings.Additionally, the new bill also introduces a provision that allows for the enforcement of arbitration agreements even if one party fails to pay the required fees for arbitration. This provision is intended to prevent one party from stalling or delaying the arbitration process by refusing to pay the necessary fees.Furthermore, the new bill establishes a framework for expedited arbitration proceedings for disputes involving a claim amount below a certain threshold. This is expected to help resolve smaller disputes more quickly and efficiently, reducing the burden on the state's court system.The changes to Tennessee's arbitration process are seen as a positive step towards promoting alternative dispute resolution and reducing the backlog of cases in the state's courts. By providing clear guidelines and streamlining the arbitration process, the new bill is expected to make arbitration a more attractive option for resolving disputes in Tennessee.Overall, the changes to Tennessee's arbitration process are poised to have a significant impact on how disputes are resolved in the state, offering a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional litigation. The bill is set to go into effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply to all arbitration agreements entered into on or after that date.