Guardians ad Litem
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends South Carolina law to require a criminal history background check for individuals seeking to serve as guardians ad litem in private family court cases. Currently, guardians ad litem are not subject to such background checks. The bill aims to enhance the safety and suitability of individuals appointed to represent the interests of children and families involved in legal proceedings.
Key provisions
- Requires guardians ad litem to undergo a criminal history background check.
- The background check must be conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
- Certain criminal convictions (including violent crimes and offenses against minors) disqualify a person from serving as a guardian ad litem.
- Lay guardians ad litem appointed by the Department of Social Services must undergo an annual background check.
- Guardians ad litem must notify the court and parties of any criminal charges against them.
- The background check is valid for 365 days.
- Guardians ad litem must provide an affidavit confirming compliance with qualifications and background check results.
Who is affected
- Individuals seeking to be appointed as guardians ad litem
- Families involved in private family court cases
- Court personnel involved in guardian ad litem appointments
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours