(1) A licensee may not file a complaint or petition with the division of hearings and appeals or bring an action under s. 218.0163 (1), based on an alleged violation of ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 by any other licensee or under s. 218.0116 (7) or (8), 218.0131 or 218.0134, unless the licensee serves a demand for mediation upon the other licensee before or contemporaneous with the filing of the complaint or petition or the bringing of the action. A demand for mediation shall be in writing and served upon the other licensee by certified mail at an address designated for that licensee in the licensor’s records. The demand for mediation shall contain a brief statement of the dispute and the relief sought by the licensee filing the demand. (2) Within 20 days after the date a demand for mediation is served, the parties shall mutually select an independent mediator and meet with that mediator for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. The meeting place shall be within this state in a location selected by the mediator. The mediator may extend the date of the meeting for good cause shown by either licensee or upon the stipulation of both licensees. (3) The service of a demand for mediation under sub. (1) shall stay the time for the filing of any complaint or petition with the division of hearings and appeals or for bringing an action under s. 218.0163 (1), based on an alleged violation of ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 by the other licensee or under s. 218.0116 (7) or (8), 218.0131 or 218.0134, until the representatives of both licensees have met with a mutually selected mediator for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. If a complaint or petition is filed before the meeting, the division of hearings and appeals or the court shall enter an order suspending the proceeding or action until the meeting has occurred and may, upon the 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 division of hearings and appeals or court considers to be appropriate. A suspension order issued under this subsection may be revoked upon motion of any party or upon motion of the division of hearings and appeals or the court. (4) The licensor shall encourage licensees under this section to establish, maintain and administer a panel of mediators who have the character, ability and training to serve as mediators and who have knowledge of the motor vehicle industry.
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