HB 345 Summary

• Mandates the family court appoint a guardian ad litem upon receipt of an assisted community treatment petition to represent the individual's best interests throughout proceedings, unless an existing guardian is already appointed.

• Removes the requirement for the public defender's office to participate in assisted community treatment proceedings and related notice requirements.

• Amends notice provisions to serve the appointed guardian ad litem or existing guardian instead of the public defender, while preserving the individual's right to obtain their own attorney.

• Requires the appointed guardian ad litem or existing guardian to be present at hearings; the individual is not required to attend if they have been served with the petition and have representation.

• Applies the guardian ad litem appointment requirement to petitions for continued treatment and petitions for discharge of assisted community treatment orders.