Summary of SF2880 - State Guardian Ad Litem Board

• Establishes the State Guardian Ad Litem Board as an independent entity within the judicial branch, consisting of seven members appointed by the Supreme Court and governor, with at least one member having former guardian ad litem experience.

• Transfers authority for guardian ad litem program administration and funding from trial courts to the newly created State Guardian Ad Litem Board, effective July 1, 2010.

• Appropriates $12,367,000 from trial court funds to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board for fiscal year 2011 operations, with all existing guardian ad litem reimbursement account balances transferred to the board.

• Requires the board to create and administer a statewide guardian ad litem program advocating for children, minor parents, and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases, with authority to establish program standards and policies.

• Appoints a program administrator to manage day-to-day operations, hire staff, and implement board policies, while the board approves budgets and proposes legislative and Supreme Court rule changes as needed.