§ 16-7-104 - Powers and duties of commission. - Arkansas Statutes

16-7-104. Powers and duties of commission.

The Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Promote in a systematic manner the appropriate use of alternative dispute resolution;

(2) Provide education to the courts, other government agencies, and the public on the methods, advantages, and applications of alternative dispute resolution;

(3) (A) Establish standards and regulations for the certification, professional conduct, discipline, and training of persons who shall be eligible and qualified to serve as compensated mediators, negotiators, conciliators, arbitrators, or other alternative dispute resolution neutrals in and for state and local courts.

(B) However, nothing in this subchapter or in the standards and regulations promulgated by the commission shall in any way prevent the parties to the litigation from utilizing any recognized voluntary or nonprofit program of dispute resolution;

(4) Develop recommended guidelines, including the types of disputes which may be subject to alternative dispute resolution and standard procedures for mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution;

(5) Assist state and local courts and governmental and other agencies with the development and implementation of alternative dispute resolution programs;

(6) Develop standardized forms for use in state and local courts and governmental and other agencies for the reference of cases to alternative dispute resolution and for the purpose of monitoring the use of alternative dispute resolution in the state;

(7) Establish fees to be levied by the courts and governmental and other agencies and paid by parties utilizing alternative dispute resolution processes;

(8) Apply for and accept gifts or grants from any public or private source for use in maintaining and improving alternative dispute resolution programs in the state; and

(9) Collect fees for tuition and registration of educational programs and to assist in maintaining a roster of third-party neutrals.