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Senate debates guardian ad litem bill; lawmakers circle measure for auditor input
Summary
Senator Delphah Baird's bill to establish a state guardian ad litem program and a director drew support for strengthening child-representation but concern over a $450,000 fiscal note; the Senate agreed to 'circle' the bill so the auditor can report back.
Senator Delphah Baird introduced Senate Bill 154 to codify guardian ad litem duties, establish a director under the Judicial Council, and fund full-time guardian ad litem attorneys in the second, third and fourth judicial districts with volunteer support elsewhere.
Baird said the measure fills a statutory gap by defining GAL responsibilities and creating training and oversight that mirror programs in other states. She said volunteers would play a key role and full-time attorneys were requested where caseloads are heaviest.
Senator McAllister and others raised concerns about the fiscal note (approximately $450,000) and suggested the program might be implemented more economically using retired attorneys and volunteers. Senators also discussed access-to-records and auditor findings that previously limited auditors’ ability to examine GAL files; Baird said the bill includes language to provide the auditor access to files while protecting client confidentiality.
After discussion the sponsor agreed to 'circle' the bill to allow the state auditor time to review implementation and fiscal impacts; the motion to circle carried by voice vote.
