SF5269

Purpose

• To change how the records of the state guardian ad litem program are accessed by the public, by making them subject to the existing Rules of Public Access to Records of the Guardian Ad Litem Program used by the Judicial Branch.

Main Provisions

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 480.35 subdivision 6 to read: Access to records of the state guardian ad litem program is subject to the Rules of Public Access for Records of the Judicial Branch Guardian Ad Litem Program.
• The State Guardian Ad Litem Board may propose amendments to these public access rules for consideration by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Public access to state guardian ad litem program records will be governed by the same public access rules that apply to the Judicial Branch Guardian Ad Litem Program.
• Creates a formal mechanism for updating those public access rules through proposals to the Supreme Court.

Practical Effect

• enhances transparency and consistency by aligning how GAL records are accessed with the Judicial Branch’s established public access framework.
• Establishes a process for updating access rules via the Supreme Court.

Administrative/Process Notes

• The State Guardian Ad Litem Board has a role in proposing amendments to the public access rules for court consideration.

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Relevant Terms state guardian ad litem program guardian ad litem program records Rules of Public Access for Records of the Guardian Ad Litem Program Judicial Branch Guardian Ad Litem Program Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 480.35 subdivision 6 State Guardian Ad Litem Board supreme court public access rules