CT HB05590

Establishes a pilot program in Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford-Norwalk judicial districts for mediation of disputes between unit owners or between unit owners and condominium association boards concerning bylaws, declarations, and applicable statutes.

Requires a $50 nonrefundable initiation fee from the requesting party and a $250 filing fee from the responding party; the initiating party must pay an additional $200 nonrefundable fee to schedule mediation.

Designates special masters to conduct mediations; special masters must be Connecticut bar members with at least 10 years of legal practice and 7 years of community association law experience, and receive no compensation.

Establishes confidentiality protections for mediation communications unless parties consent, disclosure is needed to enforce a settlement agreement, required by law, or ordered by court in the interest of justice.

Requires courts to collect annual statistical data on requests received, mediations held, and disputes resolved; Chief Court Administrator must report findings to the judiciary committee by January 15, 2017.