Plain English Breakdown
The official source uses the phrase 'ongoing discovery disputes,' which was adjusted in the summary to match standard legal terminology while retaining meaning.
Court-Ordered Mediation Changes
This law raises the dollar limit for court-ordered mediation to $75,000 and adds new rules about when courts can require it.
What This Bill Does
- Increases the maximum amount in a civil case that allows court-ordered mediation from $50,000 to $75,000 starting January 1, 2027.
- Requires that there are no ongoing discovery disputes before a court can order mediation.
- Requires at least one party to notify the court of an interest in mediation before an order is made.
- Directs courts to select a mediator for free if the parties cannot agree on one themselves.
- Mandates that every court-ordered mediation ends with a mutually acceptable statement showing whether the parties reached an agreement or not.
Who It Names or Affects
- Courts handling civil cases
- Parties involved in civil lawsuits where the amount is $75,000 or less
- Mediators selected by courts
Terms To Know
- Amount in controversy
- The total dollar value of what is being disputed in a civil case.
- Discovery disputes
- Arguments between parties about sharing evidence or information before the trial starts.
- Stipulate
- When both sides agree to a specific term, such as choosing a mediator together.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not take effect until January 1, 2027.
- The text states the final statement must be mutually acceptable but refers to 'as specified' for further details on format or content.