This bill makes appointing a guardian ad litem or special advocate optional rather than required when a child has been found to be abused or neglected and removed from their home. Previously, courts had to appoint someone to represent the child's best interests in these cases; now judges have the discretion to decide whether to make that appointment.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 656
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 594
Signed by the President S.J. 457
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 536
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 32, NAYS 3. S.J. 413
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 173
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 68, NAYS 0. H.J. 185
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 0. H.J. 1
Judiciary Motion to amend Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 0. H.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
Judiciary Deferred to another day Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 1. H.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 54
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Motion to amend
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Deferred to another day