Senate Bill 522 proposes the creation of a new statute, 767.407 (1) (bm), which allows a court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a minor child in family law proceedings where a petition for reasonable visitation rights has been filed by a grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, or an individual who has maintained a parent-child-like relationship with the child. The bill mandates that if the petitioner establishes a prima facie case for visitation, the court is required to appoint a GAL for the minor child.

This bill modifies the existing legal framework by expanding the circumstances under which a GAL must be appointed. Currently, a GAL is appointed only when there are specific concerns regarding the child's welfare or when custody or placement is contested. The new provision aims to ensure that the child's best interests are represented in cases where nonparent visitation rights are sought, thereby enhancing the legal protections available to minors in family law matters.