§ 1809-A. Procedures relating to corporations, associations, insurers

and assignees.

(a) Any corporation, including a municipal corporation or public
benefit corporation, partnership, or association, which has its
principal office in the state of New York and an assignee of any
commercial claim may institute an action or proceeding under this
article.

(b) No person or co-partnership, engaged directly or indirectly in the
business of collection and adjustment of claims, and no corporation or
association, directly or indirectly, itself or by or through its
officers, agents or employees, shall solicit, buy or take an assignment
of, or be in any manner interested in buying or taking an assignment of
a bond, promissory note, bill of exchange, book debt, or other thing in
action, or any claim or demand, with the intent and for the purpose of
bringing an action or proceeding thereon under this article.

(c) A corporation, partnership or association, which institutes an
action or proceeding under this article shall be limited to five such
actions or proceedings per calendar month. Such corporation, partnership
or association shall complete and file with the clerk the required
certification, provided it is true and verified as to its truthfulness,
as a prerequisite to the institution of an action or proceeding in this
part of the court.

(d) A corporation may appear as a party in any action brought pursuant
to this article by an attorney as well as by any authorized officer,
director or employee of the corporation provided that the appearance by
a non-lawyer on behalf of a corporation shall be deemed to constitute
the requisite authority to bind the corporation in a settlement or
trial. The court or arbitrator may make reasonable inquiry to determine
the authority of any person who appears for the corporation in a
commercial claims part case.