HB 1598 - DIGEST

     Finds that counties have historically assumed the burden of funding the counsel and guardians ad litem required to represent indigent parents, guardians, legal custodians, and children in child dependency and termination proceedings.  However, the volume of such cases is driven by legislative mandate and state agency action.

     Declares that the state agrees to accept fiscal responsibility for twenty-five percent of the cost of representation by counsel and guardians ad litem and related expenses required to represent indigent parents, guardians, legal custodians, and children in child dependency and termination proceedings after July 1, 2000, and to accept fiscal responsibility for fifty percent of these costs after July 1, 2001.