If, at the time a demand for alternative resolution was made or served, the claims sought to be resolved would have been barred by a limitation of time had it been asserted in a court of this State, a party may assert the limitation as a bar to the alternative resolution to a court to which application has been made to compel alternative resolution under this act. A party may also assert such bar before the umpire, who shall promptly rule upon that issue in a separate determination.

L. 1987, c. 54, s. 16.