1. Mediation. A dealer, manufacturer, distributor or warrantor injured by another party's violation of this chapter may bring an action pursuant to section 1447. Prior to bringing an action under section 1447, the party bringing the action for an alleged violation must serve a written demand for mediation upon the offending party. A. The demand for mediation under this section must be served upon the other party via certified mail at the address stated within the agreement among the parties. [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).] B. The demand for mediation under this section must contain a brief statement of the dispute and the relief sought by the party filing the demand. [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).] C. Within 20 days after the date a demand for mediation under this section is served, the parties shall mutually select an independent certified mediator and meet with that mediator for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. The meeting place must be in this State in a location selected by the mediator. The mediator may extend the date of the meeting for good cause shown by either party or upon stipulation of both parties. [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).] D. The service of a demand for mediation under this section tolls the time for the filing of any complaint, petition, protest or other action under this chapter until representatives of both parties have met with a mutually selected mediator for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. If a complaint, petition, protest or other action is filed before that meeting, the court shall enter an order suspending the proceeding or action until the mediation meeting has occurred and may, upon written stipulation of all parties to the proceeding or action that they wish to continue to mediate under this section, enter an order suspending the proceeding or action for as long a period as the court considers appropriate. [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).] E. The parties to the mediation under this section must bear their own costs for attorney's fees and divide equally the cost of the mediator. [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 562, §23 (NEW).]
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