1. A. Unless the parties have agreed not to engage in alternative dispute resolution, the court may refer the case to an alternative dispute resolution procedure once. Such procedure shall:

   1. 1. Not exceed a half-day in duration, excluding scheduling time;
   2. 2. Not exceed a total cost of twice the amount of applicable civil filing fees; and
   3. 3. Be completed no later than sixty (60) days before the initial trial setting.
2. B. The court shall consider objections to referral to alternative dispute resolution unless prohibited by statute.
3. C. The parties may agree to engage in alternative dispute resolution other than that provided for in subsection A of this section.

Laws 2025, SB 453, c. 311, § 7, eff. September 1, 2025.