The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes regarding the appointment of guardians for minors. It would update the conditions under which a court may appoint a guardian, specifying that the court must find the appointment to be in the minor's best interest and that at least one of several conditions is met: consent from living parents, termination of parental rights, or the minor being at least 16 years old and not subject to an open dependency case. Additionally, the bill would exempt petitioners from notifying living parents if they cannot be located after a diligent search, provided the minor meets certain age and dependency criteria.

Furthermore, the bill would enhance the notice requirements for guardianship hearings, mandating that notices include a statement of the right to object and a description of the powers and duties of a guardian. It would also allow the court to extend the authority of a temporary guardian beyond the current six-month limit if deemed in the best interest of the minor. Other technical and conforming changes would be made to ensure clarity and consistency within the statutes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 14-5204, 14-5207, 14-5202, 14-5203
House Engrossed Version: 14-5204, 14-5207, 14-5202, 14-5203
Chaptered Version: 14-5204, 14-5207, 14-5202, 14-5203