§ 29-108. Alternative dispute resolution

   (a) Construction of section. -- This section supersedes any contrary provision of the Public Information Act and the St. Mary's County Open Meetings Act.

(b) Confidentiality. --

   (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection:

      (i) all activities of the Commission that relate to an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination shall be conducted in confidence and without publicity; and

      (ii) the Commission may meet in closed session when dealing with an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination.

   (2) If all parties involved in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination consent in writing, the activities of the Commission related to the alternative dispute resolution, grievance, or complaint of discrimination may be conducted publicly.

   (3) Except as provided under § 29-107 of this title, the Commission shall hold confidential all information concerning an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination, including the identities of the parties involved.

   (4) The Commission shall hold confidential any information and records obtained by a predecessor county body that was authorized to perform a function similar to that of the Commission before July 1, 1997.

(c) Admissibility of records of proceedings as evidence. --

   (1) Information related to the activities or involvement of the Commission in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination may not be admitted as evidence in any administrative proceeding or litigation.

   (2) The records of the Commission may not be discovered in any administrative proceeding or litigation.

(d) Public inspection of records. --

   (1) Except as provided under § 29-107 of this title and paragraph (2) of this subsection, information or records related to the activities or involvement of the Commission in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination are not subject to public inspection under the Maryland Public Information Act.

   (2) Statistical information may be made available for public inspection under § 10-624(e) of the State Government Article.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 49B, § 48; 2013, ch. 119, § 2.