DE HJR15

Establishes an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Study Group to study and recommend improvements for strengthening and expanding ADR processes in Delaware.

Study Group consists of 32 members including legislators, state agency secretaries, judges, law enforcement, ADR practitioners, nonprofit representatives, educators, and business leaders, chaired by the Conflict Resolution Program Coordinator at the University of Delaware.

Study Group responsibilities include developing common ADR definitions, reviewing existing programs, expanding ADR access in education and government, and assessing mediator and arbitrator qualifications and credentialing standards.

Study Group must meet monthly and report findings and proposed legislation to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2013.

Goals include creating a collaborative framework for ADR options across all sectors, developing an action plan to provide dispute resolution alternatives to litigation, and establishing ongoing evaluation processes for ADR practices in Delaware.