Sec. 1. 4 MRSA §18-B, sub-§11 is enacted to read:

11.__Mediation of disputes involving natural gas pipelines.__ The natural gas pipeline dispute resolution program is a program within the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service.

A.__The Director of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service shall administer the natural gas pipeline dispute resolution program established in Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III.

B.__A natural gas pipeline dispute resolution fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts.__Fees collected for mediation services pursuant to Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III must be deposited in the fund.__The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use the resources in the fund to cover the costs of providing mediation services as required under Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA c. 314, sub-c. III is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER III

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM

§3345.__Disputes involving natural gas pipeline activities

1.__Program established.__The natural gas pipeline dispute resolution program is established to provide private landowners with a prompt, independent, inexpensive and local forum for mediation of disputes concerning acts or omissions occurring during the construction, maintenance or operation of natural gas pipelines.

2.__Provision of mediation services; forms, filing and fees.__ The Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service created in Title 4, section 18-B, shall provide mediation services under this subchapter.__The Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service shall:

A.__Assign mediators under this subchapter who are knowledgeable in land use regulatory issues, property law and environmental law;

B.__Establish a simple and expedient application process; and