HF 4294

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/16/2026 03:08 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to civil law; clarifying volunteer participation in guardian ad litem program;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 480.35, subdivision 2.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 480.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Duties and responsibilities.

(a) The State Guardian Ad Litem Board shall
create and administer a statewide, independent guardian ad litem program new text begin that includes
volunteers and paid staff as guardians new text end to advocate for the best interests of children, minor
parents, and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases as defined in Rule 901.01
of the Rules of Guardian Ad Litem Procedure in Juvenile and Family Court matters.

(b) The board shall:

(1) approve and recommend to the legislature a budget for the board and the guardian
ad litem program;

(2) establish procedures for distribution of funding under this section to the guardian ad
litem program; and

(3) establish guardian ad litem program standards, administrative policies, procedures,
and rules consistent with statute, rules of court, and laws that affect a volunteer or employee
guardian ad litem's work, including the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act under
sections 260.751 to 260.835; the federal Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 under United
States Code, title 42, section 662 and amendments; and the federal Indian Child Welfare
Act under United States Code, title 25, section 1901 et seq.

(c) The board may:

(1) adopt standards, policies, or procedures necessary to ensure quality advocacy for the
best interests of children; and

(2) propose statutory changes to the legislature and rule changes to the supreme court
that are in the best interests of children and the operation of the guardian ad litem program.