The proposed bill establishes the West Virginia Public Guardian ad Litem Services through a three-year pilot program aimed at providing legal representation for children involved in juvenile abuse and neglect proceedings. It highlights the necessity for high-quality legal assistance for vulnerable minors who cannot afford adequate counsel. The program is set to begin operations on July 1, 2025, and includes a sunset provision that will terminate the program on June 30, 2028, unless extended by the Legislature. The bill also creates a Guardian ad Litem Commission to assist in developing policies and performance measures, defines key terms related to the program, and outlines the agency's powers, including the ability to make grants and contracts.

Furthermore, the bill specifies the implementation of the pilot program in three selected judicial circuits—one rural, one urban, and one special needs county—by June 1, 2025, as determined by the Supreme Court of Appeals. It grants the executive director, with the Commission's approval, the authority to recommend the creation, merger, or dissolution of public guardian ad litem corporations to enhance legal representation quality. The governance structure for these corporations includes a board of directors composed of local residents, along with requirements for annual funding applications, budget submissions, audits, and reporting. The legislation aims to improve legal representation for children while ensuring accountability and effective management of resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-21A-101, 29-21A-102, 29-21A-103, 29-21A-104, 29-21A-105, 29-21A-106, 29-21A-107, 29-21A-108, 29-21A-109, 29-21A-110, 29-21A-111, 29-21A-112, 29-21A-113, 29-21A-114, 29-21A-115, 29-21A-116, 29-21A-117
Committee Substitute: 29-21A-101, 29-21A-102, 29-21A-103, 29-21A-104, 29-21A-105, 29-21A-106, 29-21A-107, 29-21A-108, 29-21A-109, 29-21A-110, 29-21A-111, 29-21A-112, 29-21A-113, 29-21A-114, 29-21A-115, 29-21A-116