Sec. 16. (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) LaPorte County.
(2) Marshall County.
(3) Starke County.
(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) is an individual with an intellectual disability; and
(2) has a court appointed guardian.
(c) The provisions of IC 31-32-3 concerning the:
(1) representation;
(2) duties;
(3) liabilities; and
(4) appointment;
of a guardian ad litem apply to a guardian ad litem appointed under this section.
(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.
(e) This section expires July 1, 2026.