Senate Bill 2770 Summary

• Allows any party or the court to raise conflicts of interest regarding guardian ad litems serving dual roles, with the court making a finding on whether a conflict exists.

• Permits the Department of Child Protection Services to be represented by either agency counsel or counsel from the Attorney General's Office at all stages of proceedings involving children in its custody.

• Establishes a statutory fee cap of $1,200 per matter for guardian ad litems appointed for children under Department of Child Protection Services custody or supervision in youth court proceedings.

• Requires guardian ad litems to submit a detailed bill for services and court certification within 25 days after termination of parental rights hearings concluding the matter.

• Takes effect July 1, 2025.