Substitute House Bill No. 6971, known as the "Connecticut Uniform Mediation Act," establishes a structured framework for mediation practices in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The bill defines essential terms such as "mediation," "mediator," and "mediation communication," and specifies the conditions under which the act applies, including mediations mandated by statute or court rules, those agreed upon in a record with an expectation of confidentiality, and mediations conducted by recognized mediators. Notably, the act excludes certain mediations, such as those related to collective bargaining or conducted by judges in their official capacity.

The legislation introduces significant provisions regarding the confidentiality of mediation communications, establishing that these communications are generally privileged and not subject to discovery or admissibility in court unless waived by the parties. It outlines specific circumstances under which this privilege may be waived, such as in cases of threats of violence or when part of a signed agreement. Additionally, the bill mandates that mediators disclose any potential conflicts of interest and prohibits them from reporting on the mediation process to courts or agencies, except for limited information. The act also emphasizes the importance of uniformity in mediation laws across states and includes provisions for severability, aiming to enhance the mediation process by ensuring confidentiality, impartiality, and clarity in the roles and responsibilities of mediators.