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Letters

Sep. 3, 2026

SB 574 is about accountability, not regulation

Criticism of SB 574 misunderstands both the bill and the voluntary certification program it addresses. Nothing in the measure changes the fundamental principle of mediation confidentiality.

Thomas J. Umberg

Phone: (949) 679-0052

Email: tumberg@umbergzipser.com

Senator Thomas J. Umberg is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and represents Senate District 34. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor and small businessman.

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SB 574 is about accountability, not regulation
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The recent article "Mediator certification deserves to flatline" rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of both SB 574 and the voluntary certification program it addresses.

Mediation is an enormously valuable tool. Its success often depends on parties sharing sensitive information with a neutral mediator, trusting it will remain confident...

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