Minnesota Statutes Administration and Finance (Ch. 16A-16E) § 16B.361. Office of collaboration and dispute resolution

(1) assist state agencies; offices of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; Tribal governments; and units of local government in improving collaboration, dispute resolution, and public engagement;

(2) promote and utilize collaborative dispute resolution models and processes based on documented best practices to foster trust, relationships, mutual understanding, consensus-based resolutions, and wise and durable solutions, including but not limited to:

(3) support collaboration and dispute resolution in the public and private sectors by providing technical assistance and information on best practices and new developments in dispute resolution fields;

(4) build capacity and educate the public and government entities on collaboration, dispute resolution approaches, and public engagement;

(5) promote the broad use of community mediation in the state; and

(6) ensure that all areas of the state have access to services by providing grants to private nonprofit entities certified by the state court administrator under chapter 494 that assist in resolution of disputes.

Subd. 2. Awarding grants to assist in resolution of disputes. (a) The commissioner shall, to the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, make grants to private nonprofit community mediation entities certified by the state court administrator under chapter 494 that assist in resolution of disputes under subdivision 1, clause (6). The commissioner shall establish a grant review committee to assist in the review of grant applications and the allocation of grants under this section.

(b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, a nonprofit organization must meet the requirements ofsection 494.05, subdivision 1, clauses (1), (2), (4), and (5).

(c) A nonprofit entity receiving a grant must agree to comply with guidelines adopted by the state court administrator undersection 494.015, subdivision 1. Policies adopted undersections 16B.97and16B.98apply to grants under this section. The exclusions insection 494.03apply to grants under this section.

(d) Grantees must report data required under chapter 494 to evaluate quality and outcomes.