Journal of Dispute Resolution Volume 2004 Issue 2 Article 4 2004 State Legislative Update Robert J. Fisher Katherine M. Massa Benjamin B. Nelson Cassandra A. Rogers Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/jdr Part of the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons Recommended Citation Robert J. Fisher, Katherine M. Massa, Benjamin B. Nelson, and Cassandra A. Rogers, State Legislative Update, 2004 J. Disp. Resol. (2004) Available at: https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/jdr/vol2004/iss2/4 This Legislation is brought to you for free and open access by the Law Journals at University of Missouri School of Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Dispute Resolution by an authorized editor of University of Missouri School of Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Fisher et al.: Fisher: State Legislative Update State Legislative Update* Robert J. Fischer Katherine M. Massa Benjamin B. Nelson CassandraA. Rogers I. STATE LEGISLATIVE Focus A. Confidentiality in Mediation: FloridaSenate Bill 1970' Bill Number: Florida Senate Bill 1970 Summary: This bill creates the Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act. It provides for standardized proceedings, so that both court-ordered and non court-ordered mediation are entitled to the same confidentiality status. Status: Signed by Governor, June 10, 2004 1. Introduction Confidentiality in mediation communications is an issue of vital importance to all those involved. The assurance of confidentiality in mediation proceedings promotes openness and candor between the parties. Often, it is openness that will lead parties to a resolution of a dispute. With the passage of Senate Bill 1970 the Florida legislature has recognized the importance that confidentiality protections play in the encouragement of successful mediations.