SB 1116 - This act provides that the Office of Administration shall create and maintain a list of mediators approved by its office, to whom certain disputes shall be referred. Approved mediators shall complete a minimum of forty hours of approved training, observe at least two mediations, and conduct at least two mediations under the supervision of an approved mediator. Approved mediators will also be required to meet minimum guidelines for continuing education as provided by this act. However, nothing within this act shall be deemed to alter training guidelines or qualifications for mediators approved by other entities or courts. Beginning January 1, 2007, the Office of Administration shall refer any dispute, prior to the commencement of any administrative hearing, involving the following agencies: - The Department of Social Services; - The Department of Natural Resources; - The Department of Insurance; - The Office of Administration, in cases involving purchases and contracts; - The Missouri Ethics Commission; and - The Department of Transportation. The mediation shall be completed or terminated within sixty days of the referral unless all parties to the dispute consent to continue mediation proceedings. Each mediator shall assist the parties to the dispute in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution through mediation. All communications made during the mediation process shall be regarded as confidential settlement negotiations, and no statements made during the mediation process shall be admissible or discoverable. ALEXA PEARSON