03/20/1996 01:30 PM Senate JUD

        SB 156 MANDATORY MEDIATION:CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES                       
                                                                               
 MIKE TIBBLES, staff to Senator Green, sponsor of SB 156, explained           
 the measure was introduced to help families resolve custody                   
 disputes through mediation rather than adjudication.  Resolving               
 issues before the courts is often expensive, confrontational, and             
 competitive, and can lead to decisions which are contrary to the              
 best interests of the child.  Mediation leaves the decision making            
 up to the parties involved.  The committee's original intent was to           
 mandate all individuals involved in a child custody dispute to                
 attend mediation, however during Senate HES interim hearings,                 
 concerns were raised about the mandatory provision.  To address               
 those concerns, the bill provides for education on mediation and              
 makes it voluntary.                                                           
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS asked if the intent is to get information to both               
 parties, and not to mandate mediation.  MR. TIBBLES stated that is            
 correct.                                                                      
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS moved and asked una                                             
 nimous consent that SB 156 be moved out of committee with                     
 individual recommendations.  There being no objections, the motion            
 carried.