Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Welfare Guardian Ad Litem topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate advances Guardian ad Litem reforms after audit; senators press for funding
Summary
Senate amended and advanced SB 213 to clarify guardian ad litem duties in juvenile court following a legislative audit. Sponsors said further legislation will follow; some senators warned the office lacks sufficient attorneys and urged funding.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 7 moved forward with SB 213, a bill the sponsor said responds to recommendations from a legislative audit of the Guardian ad Litem office. Senator Eastman introduced Amendment No. 2 to align definitions and coordinate the bill with corresponding House changes. He described the measure as ‘‘the first wave’’ of legislative follow-up to the audit and said lawmakers expect additional bills next session.
Senator Thomas, speaking in debate, supported the bill’s intent but emphasized resource gaps the audit revealed, saying the Guardian ad Litem’s office was ‘‘24 attorneys short’’ of meeting statutory duties. Thomas and others urged that expanded statutory duties be accompanied by funding to fulfill them. Senator Eastman acknowledged ongoing work from the audit committee and said further legislation will come.
After the amendment was adopted without extensive floor changes, the Senate took a roll-call vote and the clerk recorded the bill as receiving 25 yes votes, 0 nays with absences; the bill was advanced for third reading.
The measure clarifies certain duties and how the office interacts with juvenile court; sponsors framed it as a corrective step following a formal audit and noted continued study and potential future bills.
