Senate Bill 1053 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code Section 15-5-316 to revise the rights and powers of guardians ad litem in proceedings under Chapter 15-5-315, clarifying that these powers continue until the guardian's resignation, court removal, or loss of jurisdiction.

• Grants guardians ad litem the right to file pleadings, motions, memoranda, and briefs on behalf of the ward and to exercise all statutory and court-conferred rights of the ward.

• Requires all parties to promptly notify the guardian ad litem and their attorney of all hearings, staff hearings, meetings, investigations, depositions, and significant changes in the ward's circumstances.

• Authorizes guardians ad litem to inspect and copy pertinent records from hospitals, schools, health care providers, mental health clinics, police departments, and other agencies necessary for the proceeding, upon presentation of the appointment order.

• Permits guardians ad litem to request criminal history and background checks on individuals who reside in the ward's proposed residence at the proposed guardian's expense, conducted pursuant to Idaho Code Section 56-1004A.