Department of Child Protection Services; revise provision related to guardian ad litems and CPS representation by counsel.

SB 2770 would have revised Mississippi law to clarify conflict of interest procedures when a guardian ad litem also serves as a child's attorney in abuse or neglect cases. It required courts to formally address any conflict before allowing dual representation. The bill also created a statutory fee structure for guardian ad litem services, directing the Department of Child Protection Services (CPS) to manage these payments instead of relying on court discretion. These changes would directly affect children in dependency cases, their parents, CPS, and court-appointed legal representatives. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.