(a) After the filing of a discriminatory employment practice complaint, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shall advise the complainant and the respondent of the availability of alternate dispute resolution, including but not limited to, voluntary mediation or binding arbitration.

(b) If both parties agree to enter into alternate dispute resolution, they shall file with the commission a signed agreement stating (1) their intention to utilize alternate dispute resolution, (2) the type of alternate dispute resolution they intend to use and (3) the name of the alternate dispute resolution service provider or company. If the parties have agreed to submit the complaint to binding arbitration, the complainant shall attach a signed withdrawal of the complaint with prejudice.

(c) Within ten days of the receipt of the signed agreement to submit the complaint to binding arbitration and of the withdrawal, the commission shall notify the parties of its agreement to accept such arbitration or of its intention to pursue the complaint for public policy reasons. Upon the completion of the arbitration proceedings, the commission shall accept the withdrawal by the complainant and dismiss the complaint.

(d) Within ten days of receipt of a signed agreement to submit the complaint to voluntary mediation, the commission shall notify the parties of its suspension of processing of the complaint for no more than three months to allow the parties to pursue voluntary mediation or of its intention to pursue the complaint for public policy reasons.

(e) The costs of alternate dispute resolution shall be borne by the complainant or the respondent or both and not by the commission.

(f) The commission may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement this section and to establish procedures and standards for alternate dispute resolution.

(P.A. 94-113, S. 1, 2; P.A. 03-143, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 94-113 effective May 25, 1994; P.A. 03-143 amended Subsec. (f) by changing “shall” to “may” and making technical changes.