The Florida Senate

This bill makes the following changes:

·     Amends statutes to refine the qualifications of the Regional Conflict Counsel and provide for a more efficient Regional Counsel selection and appointment process.

·     Makes real property record and motor vehicle record searches optional when clerks review applications of persons applying for indigency status. 

·     Permits a judicial circuit to create a limited registry of court-appointed attorneys willing to waive compensation above the flat fees to handle conflict cases.

·     Requires the state court system to pay court-appointed attorney fees ordered by the court above the flat fees established in law, once the funds appropriated for that purpose have been spent.

·     Allows guardian ad litem volunteers to transport clients.

·     Allows for the supervision and oversight of county funded employees by the guardian ad litem program.

·     Requires the Clerk of Court Operations Corporation to collect and submit to the Legislature a quarterly report from the clerks of court on a local surcharge on traffic infractions.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012.