9-17-2. Application.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, this chapter applies to a mediation in which: (1) The mediation parties are required to mediate by statute or court or administrative agency rule or referred to mediation by a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator; (2) The mediation parties and the mediator agree to mediate in a record that demonstrates an expectation that mediation communications will be privileged against disclosure; or (3) The mediation parties use as a mediator an individual who holds himself or herself out as a mediator or as a provider of mediation services. (b) This chapter shall not apply to a mediation: (1) Relating to the establishment, negotiation, administration, or termination of a collective bargaining relationship; (2) Relating to a dispute that is pending under or is part of the processes established by a collective bargaining agreement, except that this chapter shall apply to a mediation arising out of such a dispute that has been filed with an administrative agency or court; (3) Conducted by a judge where that judge acts as a mediator and may still make a ruling on the dispute; or (4) Conducted under the auspices of: (A) A primary or secondary school if all the mediation parties are students; or (B) A correctional institution for persons who are under the age of 18 years if all the mediation parties are residents of that institution. (c) If the parties agree in advance in a signed record, or a record of proceeding reflects agreement by the parties, that all or part of a mediation is not privileged, the privileges under Code Sections 9-17-3 through 9-17-5 do not apply to the mediation or part agreed upon. However, Code Sections 9-17-3 through 9-17-5 apply to a mediation communication made by a person that has not received actual notice of the agreement before the communication is made.