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On September 16, 2025, the Utah Arbitration Board announced a new initiative aimed at reducing the time it takes to resolve disputes through arbitration. The initiative comes in response to a growing backlog of cases and increasing pressure from stakeholders to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the arbitration process.The new initiative, called the Expedited Arbitration Program, will prioritize cases that meet certain criteria for fast-tracking. These criteria include cases involving small claims, cases with clear and limited issues, and cases where both parties agree to expedited proceedings.According to James Thompson, the chair of the Utah Arbitration Board, the Expedited Arbitration Program is a step towards making arbitration a more attractive option for parties seeking quick and cost-effective dispute resolution. "Arbitration is meant to be a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional litigation," Thompson said. "With this new program, we aim to make that promise a reality for more parties."Under the Expedited Arbitration Program, cases will be assigned to specially trained arbitrators who have experience in handling expedited proceedings. These arbitrators will be tasked with streamlining the arbitration process, including setting strict deadlines for the exchange of documents, conducting hearings promptly, and issuing decisions swiftly.The Utah Arbitration Board has also committed to providing additional resources and support to parties involved in expedited cases, including offering online dispute resolution platforms and guidance on navigating the arbitration process.The announcement of the new initiative has been met with positive feedback from both legal professionals and parties involved in arbitration proceedings. Attorney Rachel Collins praised the program for its potential to improve access to justice for individuals and businesses alike. "Time is money, and the longer a dispute drags on, the more costly it becomes for all parties involved," Collins said. "The Expedited Arbitration Program is a welcome development that will help parties resolve their conflicts quickly and efficiently."The Utah Arbitration Board plans to implement the Expedited Arbitration Program starting October 1, 2025. The board hopes that the new initiative will not only reduce the backlog of cases but also demonstrate its commitment to promoting arbitration as a viable and effective method of dispute resolution in the state.