§1-569.14. Immunity of arbitrator; competency to testify; attorneys' fees and costs

(a)        An arbitrator or an arbitration organization acting in that capacity is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of this State acting in a judicial capacity.

(b)        The immunity afforded by this section supplements any immunity under other law.

(c)        The failure of an arbitrator to make a disclosure required by G.S. 1-569.12 shall not cause any loss of immunity under this section.

(d)       In a judicial, administrative, or similar proceeding, an arbitrator or representative of an arbitration organization is not competent to testify and shall not be required to produce records as to any statement, conduct, decision, or ruling occurring during the arbitration proceeding to the same extent as a judge of a court of this State acting in a judicial capacity. This subsection shall not apply:

(1)        To the extent necessary to determine the claim of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of the arbitration organization against a party to the arbitration proceeding; or

(2)        To a hearing on a motion to vacate an award under G.S. 1-569.23(a)(1) or (a)(2) if the movant makes a prima facie showing that a ground for vacating the award exists.

(e)        If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization arising from the services of the arbitrator, organization, or representative, or if a person seeks to compel an arbitrator or a representative of an arbitration organization to testify or produce records in violation of subsection (d) of this section, and the court decides that the arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization is immune from civil liability or that the arbitrator or representative of the organization is not competent to testify, the court shall award to the arbitrator, organization, or representative reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and other reasonable expenses of litigation.

(f)        Immunity under this section shall not apply to acts or omissions that occur with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle.

(2003-345, s. 2.)