Dispute Resolution Act

(Reported to House from the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1654 (Part I))

Dispute Resolution Act - Establishes within the Department of Justice a Dispute Resolution Program, administered by the Attorney General, and a Dispute Resolution Resource Center which shall assist States and other entities in the development and maintenance of merchanisms for the resolution of consumer controversies and small claims.

Lists the purposes of the Center including the exchange of information concerning existing, and the creation of new, dispute resolution mechanisms and the certification of national priority projects.

Authorizes the Center and the Attorney General to make grants and enter into contracts to implement the purpose of this Act.

Enumerates the duties of the Attorney General including, but not limited to, prescribing the procedures to be followed by the Department of Justice in reviewing and approving applications for Federal funds.

Directs the Attorney General to establish a Dispute Resolution Advisory Board to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of the Center and the awarding of grants.

Makes nonprofit organizations, State agencies, and local government units eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Sets forth criteria such entities must meet in order to receive such assistance. Limits the use of such funds to specific purposes such as the recruitment and training of personnel. Prohibits funds from being used for the compensation of specified attorneys.

Authorizes the Attorney General to pay qualifying applicants the Federal share of the estimated cost of the approved project which is graduated from 100 percent the first fiscal year to 60 percent the fourth fiscal year.

Requires that records be kept by each recipient of assistance under this Act. Allows the Attorney General to have access for purposes of audit to any relevant books, documents, papers, and records of such recipient.

Directs the Attorney General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the administration of such program.

Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General through fiscal year 1983 for the purpose of establishing the Center and the Board, and for financing the grant program.