1. (a) The circuit or superior court exercising jurisdiction over an adoption proceeding in any of the following counties shall establish a guardian ad litem pilot program to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of an incapacitated parent:

   1. (1) LaPorte County.
   2. (2) Marshall County.
   3. (3) Starke County.

2. (b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem under this section if a parent of a child subject to a petition for adoption:

   1. (1) is an individual with an intellectual disability; and
   2. (2) has a court appointed guardian.

3. (c) The provisions of IC 31-32-3 concerning the:

   1. (1) representation;
   2. (2) duties;
   3. (3) liabilities; and

   4. (4) appointment;

      of a guardian ad litem apply to a guardian ad litem appointed under this section.

4. (d) The cost and expenses incurred in connection with the appointment of a guardian ad litem are paid by the county upon order of the appointing court.
5. (e) This section expires July 1, 2026.

As added by P.L.97-2024, SEC.1.