HCS HB 192 -- GUARDIAN AD LITEM FUND

SPONSOR:  Franz

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Family Services by a vote of 8 to 0.

This substitute creates the Guardian Ad Litem Fund for the
purpose of compensating court-appointed guardians ad litem.  It
will be funded from a surcharge ranging from $25 to $100 assessed
to anyone bringing a probate proceeding under Chapters 473, 474,
or 475, RSMo.  For each domestic relations case filed, an
additional surcharge not to exceed $30 may be assessed by any
circuit court that does not have a family court or a family court
division.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that guardians ad litem play a
crucial role in protecting children and their civil rights; and
the insufficient funding is a deterrent to recruiting experienced
lawyers that are willing to act as guardians ad litem for
children in need of legal representation.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Franz; Honorable Don
Henry, 37th Judicial Circuit; and Honorable Ralph Haslag, 25th
Judicial Circuit.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am