NC H482

Establishes the Dispute Resolution Fund as a nonreverting, interest-bearing special revenue account within the Judicial Department to hold administrative fees collected from mediator and mediation training program certification and renewal (capped at $200).

Creates the Dispute Resolution Commission to oversee mediator regulation and directs that all certification fees be deposited into and used at the Commission's direction to support its operations.

Makes it unlawful for individuals to falsely represent themselves as certified mediators or for firms to misrepresent mediator training programs as certified, with penalties including Class 2 misdemeanor charges and civil penalties up to $500 per day of violation.

Authorizes the Commission to issue cease and desist letters to individuals or firms making false representations about mediator certification or training program certification status.

Amends mediation confidentiality provisions in superior court, district court domestic cases, and clerk of court jurisdictions to reference the Dispute Resolution Commission instead of generic agencies when allowing testimony in disciplinary hearings.