ND HB1180

Amends section 6-09.10-10 of the North Dakota Century Code to expand confidentiality protections for mediation communications beyond information created by the North Dakota mediation service.

Defines "mediation communication" to include written statements, oral statements, and nonverbal communications that are recorded or stored in retrievable form and occur during mediation or in preparation for mediation.

Requires that mediation communications be kept confidential and exempt from open records requirements under section 44-04-18, releasable only with written consent of all parties or by court order upon a showing of good cause.

Maintains confidentiality of all mediation meetings and meetings involving the board, negotiators, mediators, or other personnel when specific financial information of farmers, creditors, or others is discussed, exempting them from open meetings requirements under section 44-04-19.

Passed the House with 90 yeas and 0 nays; passed the Senate with 45 yeas and 0 nays.