The House Subcommittee on Courts met this morning.
House Bill 2042 allows guardian ad litem to request the appointment of a court appointed special advocate (CASAs) in cases of child neglect or abuse. CASAs have limited caseload and are submitted to rigorous screening to become a CASA. The bill amends current process where only court can appoint CASA by allowing guardian ad litem to make requests. Several counties have CASA programs, but not all. The bill heads to the full Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 2066 creates a felony offense for damaging, destroying, or stealing equipment used by emergency responders. The bill states that the action must create substantial risk of bodily injury to another person, result in loss of property or interrupt services of emergency responders. The felony conviction can result in up to a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for one to three years. The bill was added to make some clarification to definitions. The bill heads to the full Judiciary Committee.
