52:27EE-22 Dispute settlement office; services.

22. Dispute Settlement Office; services.

a. The Dispute Settlement Office may provide, in the discretion of the Public Defender, mediation and other third party neutral services in the resolution of disputes which involve the public interest and may enter into agreements or contracts to carry out any of the purposes or functions of this section. The office may assist public or private parties in resolving disputes. The office is authorized to:

(1) facilitate the resolution of disputes through the provision of mediation and other neutral dispute resolution services;

(2) establish standards for the selection, assignment, and conduct of persons acting on behalf of the office in the resolution of disputes;

(3) conduct educational programs and provide other services designed to reduce the occurrence, magnitude, or cost of disputes;

(4) design, develop, or operate dispute resolution programs, or assist in improving or extending existing dispute resolution programs;

(5) work with the business ombudsman or advocate in the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission and take such other action as will promote and facilitate dispute resolution in the State; and

(6) coordinate and cooperate with the Office of Administrative Law so as to avoid duplication of effort and to facilitate alternate resolution of disputes that would otherwise require administrative hearings.

b. The Public Defender may establish reasonable fees to be charged to public or private parties for the provision of the educational, consultation, dispute resolution, or other services authorized herein and may apply for and accept on behalf of the State any federal, local, or private grants, bequests, gifts, or contributions to aid in the financing of any of the programs or activities of the office. The Public Defender in the name of the State shall do all that is necessary and proper to receive or to collect all moneys due to the State, including such fees, grants, bequests, gifts, or contributions, by or reimbursement for services rendered pursuant to this section.

L.2005, c.155, s.22; amended 2010, c.34, s.22.