(a) Arbitrators shall be persons interested in the fair and expeditious resolution of consumer disputes.

(b) No arbitrator deciding a dispute shall be a party to the dispute, or an employee or agent of a party other than for purposes of deciding disputes.

(c) No arbitrator deciding a dispute shall be a person who is or may become a party in any legal action, including but not limited to a class action in which the arbitrator is a representative of the class that relates to the product or complaint in dispute, or an employee or agent of such person other than for purposes of deciding disputes.

(d) For purposes of subdivisions (b) and (c) of this section, a person shall not be considered a “party” solely because he or she acquires or owns an interest in a party solely for investment, and the acquisition of ownership of an interest which is offered to the general public shall be prima facie evidence of its acquisition or ownership solely for investment.

(e) When one or two arbitrators are deciding a dispute, all shall be persons having no direct involvement in the manufacture, distribution, sale or service of any product. When three or more arbitrators are deciding a dispute, at least two-thirds shall be persons having no direct involvement in the manufacture, distribution, sale or service of any product. “Direct involvement” shall not include acquiring or owning an interest solely for investment, and the acquisition or ownership of an interest which is offered to the general public shall be prima facie evidence of its acquisition or ownership solely for investment.

(f) A person who is otherwise qualified to serve as an arbitrator under subdivisions (a) through (e) of this section shall not be disqualified solely because the person is a dealer of the manufacturer.

(g) Where arbitrators are selected from a list of arbitrators, selection shall be on a random basis.

(h) The arbitration program shall provide each arbitrator who is assigned to decide disputes with the text and an explanation of the applicable law (Section 3396.1(a)).

(i) The arbitration program shall provide each arbitrator with relevant training, including periodic updates and refresher courses, which shall include training in the principles of arbitration; training in the applicable law including the rights and responsibilities of arbitrators under this subchapter (including the right to request an inspection or other action under Section 3398.5(f)); and training in what a decision must and may include (Sections 3398.9 and 3398.10).

(j) An arbitrator who does not meet the qualifications in this section or who cannot demonstrate both the fact and appearance of fairness and impartiality in deciding disputes shall disqualify himself or herself.