Assembly Bill 519 mandates the appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) for minor children in family law proceedings when a petition for reasonable visitation rights is filed by a grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, or an individual who has maintained a parent-child-like relationship with the child, provided that the petitioner has established standing. This requirement is a new addition to the existing law, which previously only mandated the appointment of a GAL under specific circumstances, such as when there are concerns for the child's welfare or when custody or placement is contested.

The bill introduces new legal language under section 767.407 (1) (bm) of the statutes, specifying that the court must appoint a GAL in these visitation cases. This change aims to ensure that the interests of the minor child are adequately represented in legal proceedings concerning visitation rights. The act will apply to petitions filed for reasonable visitation rights on or after the effective date of the legislation.