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S 2038 99th Congress Senate

Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986

Official title: A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure regarding dispute resolution.

Introduced: February 3, 1986 Introduced by: McConnell, Mitch Republican · Kentucky See on congress.gov
Law Civil actions and liabilityCivil procedureCommercial arbitrationCourts and Civil Procedure
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MediationTorts
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This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 21, 1986
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held.
Feb 7, 1986
Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Department of Justice and Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
Feb 3, 1986
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Feb 3, 1986
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action February 21, 1986

Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require each attorney representing a party in an action to advise that party of the existence and availability of alternative dispute resolution options, including mediation, arbitration, and summary jury trial proceedings. Requires such attorneys to file notice with the court certifying that their clients were so advised and indicating whether the parties will agree to any such option. States that neither the acceptance nor rejection of any such offer shall be admissible as evidence in any further proceedings in such action.

Establishes procedures by which any party may serve upon any other party offers to: (1) settle claims; or (2) engage in alternative dispute resolution techniques. Allows the court to impose sanctions upon an offeree who unreasonably rejects such an offer. Provides that such requirements shall not apply to class or derivative actions.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 2038: Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-S-2038/
MLA
"S. 2038: Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-S-2038/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 2038, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-S-2038/.
Markdown link
[S. 2038: Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-S-2038/)
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