Rep. Adam Miller Introduces Legislation to Increase Protections for Court Appointed Advocates

COLUMBUS— Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus) today introduced legislation that would provide legal protections for Guardians ad litem (GAL) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). These public servants are advocates appointed by a judge to determine what is in the best interest of a party (usually a minor or adult subject to guardianship) who do not have an attorney of their own. Currently, they do not have the same protections as other officers of the court, like judges and attorneys.

“Court-appointed advocates represent the most vulnerable in our community. They are volunteers and have to make tough, fair recommendations to the court,” said Rep. Miller. “They must have the same protections from threats and intimidation as judges, juries, and attorneys. Without these public servants, our children and elderly would be left without help, and our court system would find it almost impossible to function properly.” 

This bill would make it a crime for someone to abuse, threaten, or harass a guardian ad litem or a court-appointed special advocate in carrying out their court-mandated duties.

The bill now awaits referral to a House committee.