MO HB717

Transfers authority to appoint guardians ad litem in child abuse and neglect cases from judges to the public administrator, with judges now petitioning the public administrator for appointments

Makes guardian ad litem appointments mandatory in any child custody, dissolution, or legal separation proceeding where child abuse or neglect is alleged

Requires the public administrator to give preference to persons who previously served as guardian ad litem for the same child, unless documented reasons exist against reappointment

Retains existing guardian ad litem duties including legal representation of the child, access to all case reports and records, and authority to attend family support team meetings

Maintains court authority to set reasonable fees for guardian ad litem services, payable by parties to the proceeding or from public funds