The Connecticut version of the Uniform Mediation Act (UMA) has been drafted, and many proponents of mediation and alternative dispute resolution are now actively promoting passage of this important uniform law in this legislative session. We join that effort and urge the legislature to pass the UMA at this time.

There are several important reasons for passing the UMA in Connecticut. One reason relates to the UMA's expansion and clarification of the definition and scope of the privileges available to parties, mediators, and others who participate in mediation. Within Connecticut's existing statutory scheme, the mediation privilege is designed for parties who are engaged in a pending legal action. For example, General Statutes §52-235d defines a mediator as "a person not affiliated with either party to a lawsuit" who "facilitates communication between such parties…." (Emphasis added).