1. (a) There is established in the department a mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program to provide an owner-occupant an opportunity to negotiate an agreement that avoids foreclosure or mitigates damages in cases where foreclosure is unavoidable.

2. (b) The judiciary, through the center for alternative dispute resolution, shall provide assistance to the department in program matters including:

   1. (1) Contract procurement;
   2. (2) Performance oversight, such as monitoring compliance with the program requirements; and

   3. (3) Management services to oversee any contract between the department and a private organization retained by the department to provide dispute resolution services or personnel, including providing the department with monthly status reports and evaluations.

      The department and the judiciary shall execute a memorandum of understanding that establishes their rights and responsibilities relating to the mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program, which may be amended from time to time.

3. (c) The department is authorized to contract with county, state, or federal agencies, and with private organizations, approved housing counselors, and approved budget and credit counselors for the performance of any of the functions of this part. These contracts shall not be subject to chapter 103D or 103F.

[L 2011, c 48, pt of §1, §45(2); am L 2012, c 182, §§37, 49]