WV HB2195

Increases compensation for panel attorneys serving as legal counsel or guardian ad litem for children in abuse/neglect proceedings to $105/hour for out-of-court work and $125/hour for in-court work (up from the standard $60 and $80 rates)

Requires courts to appoint only guardians ad litem who have completed all required continuing education for representing children in abuse/neglect cases under §49-4-601

Establishes guardian ad litem compensation in minor settlement proceedings at $200/hour plus reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses

Requires attorneys appointed to represent children or serve as guardians ad litem to complete training on representation of children approved by the Supreme Court of Appeals administrative office

Removes the fallback provision that previously allowed courts to appoint attorneys without required training if no trained attorney was available