<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 257.69, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>subdivision 2; 260B.331, subdivision 6; 260C.331, subdivisions 3, 6; 518.165, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 480.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 257.69, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Guardian</b><b> ad litem</b><b>; legal fees.</b> (a) The court may order expert witness <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>and guardian ad litem fees and other costs of the trial and pretrial proceedings, including <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>appropriate tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>court. The court shall require a party to pay part of the fees of court-appointed counsel <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>according to the party's ability to pay, but if counsel has been appointed the appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>agency shall pay the party's proportion of all other fees and costs. The agency responsible <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>for child support enforcement shall pay the fees and costs for blood or genetic tests in a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>proceeding in which it is a party, is the real party in interest, or is acting on behalf of the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>child. However, at the close of a proceeding in which paternity has been established under <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>257.51</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>257.74</statute_ref>, the court shall order the adjudicated father to reimburse the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>public agency, if the court finds he has sufficient resources to pay the costs of the blood or <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>genetic tests. When a party bringing an action is represented by the county attorney, no <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>filing fee shall be paid to the court administrator. <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>(b) In each fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall deposit <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>guardian ad litem reimbursements in the general fund and credit them to a separate <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>account with the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board. The balance of this account <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>is appropriated to the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board and does not cancel but <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>is available until expended. Expenditures by the state court administrator's office Revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>from this account must be based on the amount of the guardian ad litem reimbursements <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>received by the state from the courts in each judicial district spent in the judicial district <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>in which the reimbursement is collected.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 260B.331, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Guardian ad litem fees.</b> (a) In proceedings in which the court appoints a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>guardian ad litem pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>260B.163, subdivision 6,</statute_ref> paragraph (a), the court <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>may inquire into the ability of the parents to pay for the guardian ad litem's services and, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>after giving the parents a reasonable opportunity to be heard, may order the parents to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>pay guardian fees.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>(b) In each fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall deposit <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>guardian ad litem reimbursements in the general fund and credit them to a separate <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>account with the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board. The balance of this account <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>is appropriated to the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board and does not cancel but <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>is available until expended. Expenditures by the state court administrator's office Revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>from this account must be based on the amount of the guardian ad litem reimbursements <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>received by the state from the courts in each judicial district spent in the judicial district <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>in which the reimbursement is collected.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 260C.331, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Court expenses.</b> The following expenses are a charge upon the county <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>in which proceedings are held upon certification of the judge of juvenile court or upon <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>such other authorization provided by law:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>(1) the fees and mileage of witnesses, and the expenses and mileage of officers <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>serving notices and subpoenas ordered by the court, as prescribed by law;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(2) the expense of transporting a child to a place designated by a child-placing agency <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>for the care of the child if the court transfers legal custody to a child-placing agency;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>(3) the expense of transporting a minor to a place designated by the court;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>(4) reasonable compensation for an attorney appointed by the court to serve as <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>counsel, except in the Eighth Judicial District where the state courts shall pay for counsel <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>to a guardian ad litem until the recommendations of the task force created in Laws 1999, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>chapter 216, article 7, section 42, are implemented.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>The State courts Guardian Ad Litem Board shall pay for guardian ad litem expenses <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>and reasonable compensation for an attorney to serve as counsel for a guardian ad litem, if <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>necessary.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 260C.331, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Guardian ad litem fees.</b> (a) In proceedings in which the court appoints a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>guardian ad litem pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>260C.163, subdivision 5, clause (a)</statute_ref>, the court may <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>inquire into the ability of the parents to pay for the guardian ad litem's services and, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>after giving the parents a reasonable opportunity to be heard, may order the parents to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>pay guardian fees. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>(b) In each fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall deposit <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>guardian ad litem reimbursements in the general fund and credit them to a separate <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>account with the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board. The balance of this account <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>is appropriated to the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board and does not cancel but <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>is available until expended. Expenditures by the state court administrator's office Revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>from this account must be based on the amount of the guardian ad litem reimbursements <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>received by the state from the courts in each judicial district spent in the judicial district <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>in which the reimbursement is collected.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>    Sec. 5. <b>[480.35] STATE GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Structure; membership.</b> (a) The State Guardian Ad Litem Board is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>established in the judicial branch. The board is not subject to the administrative control <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>of the judiciary. The State Guardian Ad Litem Board shall consist of seven members <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>including:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(1) three members appointed by the Supreme Court who include two attorneys <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>admitted to practice law in the state and one public member; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>(2) four members appointed by the governor.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>The appointing authorities may not appoint an active judge to be a member of the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>State Guardian Ad Litem Board, but may appoint a retired judge.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>(b) All candidates shall demonstrate an interest in maintaining a high quality, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>independent guardian ad litem program for the advocacy of the best interests of children <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>as required in juvenile and family court. The candidates shall be well acquainted with the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>guardian ad litem program, as well as laws that affect a guardian ad litem's work, including <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act under sections 260.751 to 260.835; the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>federal Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 under United States Code, title 42, section 662 <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>and amendments; and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act under United States Code, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>title 25, section 1901 et seq. At least three members of the board shall be from judicial <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>districts other than the First, Second, Fourth, and Tenth Judicial Districts. The terms, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>compensation, and removal of members shall be as provided in section 15.0575. The <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>Supreme Court shall appoint the chair from among the membership for a term of two years.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties and responsibilities.</b> (a) The State Guardian Ad Litem Board shall <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>create and administer a statewide, independent guardian ad litem program to advocate for <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>the best interests of children, minor parents, and incompetent adults in juvenile and family <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>court cases as defined in Rule 901.01 of the Rules of Guardian Ad Litem Procedure in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>Juvenile and Family Court matters.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>(b) The board shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(1) approve and recommend to the legislature a budget for the board and the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>guardian ad litem program;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>(2) establish procedures for distribution of funding under this section to the guardian <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>ad litem program; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>(3) establish guardian ad litem program standards, administrative policies, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>procedures, and rules consistent with statute, rules of court, and laws that affect a guardian <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>ad litem's work, including the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act under sections <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>260.751 to 260.835; the federal Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 under United States <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>Code, title 42, section 662 and amendments; and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>under United States Code, title 25, section 1901 et seq.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>(c) The board may:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>(1) adopt standards, policies, or procedures necessary to ensure quality advocacy <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>for the best interests of children;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>(2) propose statutory changes to the legislature and rule changes to the Supreme <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>Court that are in the best interests of children and the operation of the guardian ad litem <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>program; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(3) appoint an advisory committee to make recommendations to assist the board in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>its duties and to report to the board on issues related to the guardian ad litem program. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>The advisory committee shall be subject to the provisions of section 15.059 and shall <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>expire on June 30, 2014.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    Subd. 3. <b>State guardian ad litem program administrator.</b> The State Guardian <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>Ad Litem Board shall appoint a program administrator who serves at the pleasure of the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>board. The program administrator is not required to be licensed to practice law. The <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>program administrator shall attend all meetings of the board, but may not vote, and shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>(1) carry out all administrative functions necessary for the efficient and effective <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>operation of the board and the guardian ad litem program, including but not limited to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>hiring, supervising, and disciplining program staff and guardians ad litem;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>(2) implement, as necessary, resolutions, standards, rules, regulations, and policies <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>of the board;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>(3) keep the board fully advised as to its financial condition, and prepare and submit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>to the board the annual guardian ad litem program and State Guardian Ad Litem Board <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>budget and other financial information as requested by the board;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>(4) recommend to the board the adoption of rules and regulations necessary for the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>efficient operation of the board and the state guardian ad litem program; and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>(5) perform other duties prescribed by the board.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Administration.</b> The board may contract with the Office of State Court <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>Administrator for administrative support services for the fiscal years following fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Benefits.</b> Any guardian ad litem employee who transferred to state <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>employment on or before July 1, 2005, may retain county benefits elected under section <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>480.181.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Access to records.</b> Access to records of the state guardian ad litem program <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>is subject to the Rules of Public Access for Records of the Judicial Branch. The State <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>Guardian Ad Litem Board may propose amendments for Supreme Court consideration.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Fees and costs; civil actions on contested case.</b> Sections 15.039 and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>15.471 to 15.474 apply to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 518.165, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Fees.</b> (a) A guardian ad litem appointed under either subdivision 1 or 2 <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>may be appointed either as a volunteer or on a fee basis. If a guardian ad litem is appointed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>on a fee basis, the court shall enter an order for costs, fees, and disbursements in favor <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>of the child's guardian ad litem. The order may be made against either or both parties, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>except that any part of the costs, fees, or disbursements which the court finds the parties <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>are incapable of paying shall be borne by the State courts Guardian Ad Litem Board. The <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>costs of court-appointed counsel to the guardian ad litem shall be paid by the county in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>which the proceeding is being held State Guardian Ad Litem Board if a party is incapable <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>of paying for them. Until the recommendations of the task force created in Laws 1999, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>chapter 216, article 7, section 42, are implemented, the costs of court-appointed counsel <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>to a guardian ad litem in the Eighth Judicial District shall be paid by the state courts if a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>party is incapable of paying for them. In no event may the court order that costs, fees, or <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>disbursements be paid by a party receiving public assistance or legal assistance or by a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>party whose annual income falls below the poverty line as established under United States <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>Code, title 42, section 9902(2).<br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>(b) In each fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall deposit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>guardian ad litem reimbursements in the general fund and credit them to a separate <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>account with the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board. The balance of this account <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>is appropriated to the trial courts State Guardian Ad Litem Board and does not cancel but <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>is available until expended. Expenditures by the state court administrator's office Revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>from this account must be based on the amount of the guardian ad litem reimbursements <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>received by the state from the courts in each judicial district spent in the judicial district <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>in which the reimbursement is collected.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>    Sec. 7. <b>TRANSITION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>The State Guardian Ad Litem Board shall be established by October 1, 2010. The <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>state guardian ad litem program administrator shall be appointed according to Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>Statutes, section 480.35, and the operational structure of the board and guardian ad litem <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>program shall be established during fiscal year 2011. During fiscal year 2011, the state <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>court administrator and judicial district offices shall continue to provide administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>support and management oversight services and may authorize program expenditures until <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>the board is established and thereafter, as requested by the State Guardian Ad Litem <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>Board. Existing judicial branch policies for guardians ad litem shall apply until those <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>policies are replaced by policies of the State Guardian Ad Litem Board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>    Sec. 8. <b>FUNDING; TRANSFER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>(a) All guardian ad litem reimbursement account balances on June 30, 2010, shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>transferred to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board from the trial courts and are appropriated <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board for the provision of guardian ad litem services.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>(b) The appropriation to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board for costs associated <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>with the establishment of the board and operation of the guardian ad litem program in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>fiscal year 2011 shall be paid for by a transfer of $....... from the trial court appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>for the guardian ad litem program. Thereafter, the legislature shall appropriate money to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>the State Guardian Ad Litem Board for the purpose of payment of all financial obligations <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>of the board and guardian ad litem program.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    Sec. 9. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>Sections 1 to 8 are effective July 1, 2010.<br/>