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Mississippi legislators have recently passed a new law aimed at improving access to mediation services for residents across the state. The law, which was signed by Governor Sarah Johnson on May 22, 2026, is set to go into effect immediately and is expected to have a significant impact on how disputes are resolved in Mississippi.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a state-funded mediation program that will provide free or low-cost mediation services to individuals and families facing a wide range of disputes. This program is designed to help reduce the burden on the state's court system by offering an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation.Additionally, the law includes provisions that require all family law cases involving child custody or visitation to undergo mediation before proceeding to trial. This is intended to help reduce conflict and promote amicable resolutions in cases where children are involved.Furthermore, the law mandates that all civil cases filed in Mississippi must go through a mandatory mediation process before proceeding to trial. This is expected to help alleviate the backlog of cases in the state's court system and ensure that disputes are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.Governor Johnson praised the new law, stating that it will "promote peace, harmony, and justice in our communities by providing a viable alternative to costly and often contentious litigation." She also emphasized the importance of mediation in promoting positive outcomes for all parties involved in a dispute.The Mississippi Bar Association has expressed support for the new law, with President Rachel Smith stating that "mediation is a valuable tool for resolving disputes in a way that is fair, equitable, and respectful to all parties involved." The Bar Association plans to work closely with the state government to ensure the successful implementation of the new mediation program.Overall, the passage of this new law represents a significant step forward for Mississippi in its efforts to improve access to mediation services and promote peaceful resolutions to disputes across the state. With the implementation of these new provisions, Mississippi residents can expect to see a more efficient and effective mediation process that will help them resolve their conflicts in a timely and cost-effective manner.