Bill No.: HB0314                  Drafter:  JHR

 

LSO No.:  05LSO-0611              Effective Date:  7/1/2005

 

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0137

 

Chapter No.:       237

 

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Simpson

 

Catch Title:       Guardians ad litem.

 

Subject:  Creates a program to reimburse guardians ad litem.

 

Summary/Major Elements:

 

·        This bill:

 

·        Authorizes a program under the Wyoming Supreme Court to reimburse guardians ad litem for the legal representation of children;

 

·        Requires rulemaking to establish reimbursement methods and establish standards for the legal representation of juveniles by guardians ad litem;

 

·        Establishes a process whereby counties opt into a program that provides funding for the legal representation of children by guardians ad litem;

 

·        Requires counties to provide matching funds as a condition of participation in the program;

 

·        Requires the Supreme Court to report annually by November 1 on the results of the program;

 

·        Appropriates $2.1 million to the Supreme Court and authorizes 1 additional position to assist in the implementation of the reimbursement program.

 

Comments:

 

·        Report Required – Annual report by November 1 from the Supreme Court to the Joint Appropriations and Judiciary Interim Committees.