Guardians ad litem for children; report requirements, certification form. (HB277)

Introduced By

Del. Chris Collins (R-Winchester)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Guardians ad litem for children; report requirements; certification form. Requires guardians ad litem appointed to represent a child in a matter to conduct an investigation in compliance with certain standards. The bill further requires the guardian ad litem to file a copy of any written report directed by the court with the clerk of court. The bill requires the guardian ad litem to furnish a copy of such report to the attorneys representing parties and parties proceeding pro se in the matter prior to any trial or other proceeding or hearing on the matter. The bill provides that, where a written report is not directed, the guardian ad litem shall inform all attorneys representing parties and parties proceeding pro se of any recommendations intended to be made to the court prior to any trial or other proceeding or hearing on the matter. The bill specifies that a guardian ad litem's report shall not be admitted into evidence unless the contents are otherwise established at the trial or other proceeding or hearing on the matter. The bill requires the guardian ad litem to file with the court, with a copy to attorneys representing parties and parties proceeding pro se, a certification form of such guardian's compliance with certain standards, along with a summary of the investigation conducted by such guardian. The bill provides that the court shall grant a continuance as justice requires should such guardian ad litem fail to meet any specified requirements contained in the bill. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/03/2018Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18103671D
01/03/2018Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/16/2018Assigned Courts sub: Subcommittee #2
01/22/2018Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment (7-Y 1-N)
02/05/2018Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment (14-Y 4-N) (see vote tally)
02/07/2018Read first time
02/08/2018Read second time
02/08/2018Committee amendment agreed to
02/08/2018Engrossed by House as amended HB277E
02/08/2018Printed as engrossed 18103671D-E
02/09/2018Impact statement from DPB (HB277E)
02/09/2018Read third time and passed House (86-Y 13-N)
02/09/2018VOTE: PASSAGE (86-Y 13-N) (see vote tally)
02/12/2018Constitutional reading dispensed
02/12/2018Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
02/26/2018Committee substitute printed to LIS only 18107612D-S1
02/26/2018Continued to 2019 in Courts of Justice (13-Y 2-N) (see vote tally)
11/30/2018Left in Courts of Justice

Comments

Kathy Pendergraph writes:

These requirements are absolutely needed. Why is COURTS OF JUSTICE delaying it?