Bill Summaries: S 709 DISPUTE RESOLUTION AMENDMENTS.

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  • Summary date: Mar 26 2015 - View Summary

    Identical to H 303, filed 3/18/15.

    Amends GS 7A-38.1(1), 7A-38.4A(j), 7A-38.3B, and 7A-38.3D(k), making technical changes and conveying all powers and duties previously delineated to agencies established to enforce standards of conduct for mediators or other neutrals to the Dispute Resolution Commission (Commission).

    Amends GS 7A-38.2 to provide that the fees charged for certification and annual renewal of certification for mediators and mediation training will be deposited in the Dispute Resolution Fund (Fund). Establishes the Fund in the Judicial Department as a non-reverting, interest-bearing special revenue account. Provides that the monies in the Fund must be used to support the operations of the Commission. 

    Enacts new GS 7A-38.2(l) and (m) concerning the regulation of mediators, providing that the Commission can issue cease and desist letters to individuals falsely representing themselves to the public as certified mediators, whether such communication is made through words, letters, titles, signs, cards, web postings, or similar. Provides that such individuals or firms making such misrepresentation are guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 each day of the violation. Provides that each day is considered a separate and distinct violation. Requires proceeds from violations to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Provides that the Commission can petition the court on its own accord to apply for an injunction to prevent violations.  Effective December 1, 2015. 

    Unless otherwise provided, effective July 1, 2015, applying to mediations commenced after that date.