MN HF765

Creates an Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution within the Bureau of Mediation Services under the commissioner of mediation services.

Office must promote mediation statewide through grants to nonprofits, assist state and local government agencies in dispute resolution, provide technical assistance, and educate the public on mediation options.

Commissioner must establish a grant review committee and make grants to eligible private nonprofit entities that demonstrate at least one-half of their annual budget comes from non-state sources (with exception for organizations less than three years old).

Grantees must comply with state court administrator guidelines, report required data on quality and outcomes, and grants may include performance-based standards and matching contribution requirements.

Appropriates $750,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2014 through the biennium ending June 30, 2015, with at least 70 percent designated for grants to nonprofit dispute resolution organizations.