The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes regarding the appointment of guardians for minors. Currently, the court may appoint a guardian for a minor only if all parental rights have been terminated or suspended. The bill expands this provision by allowing the court to appoint a guardian if it is in the best interest of the minor and one of three conditions is met: (1) both living parents consent to the appointment, (2) the parental rights of the living parents have been terminated, or (3) the minor is at least 16 years old, does not have an open dependency case, and no parent is willing or able to fulfill the guardian's duties.

Additionally, the bill introduces new notice requirements for petitioners seeking guardianship. It mandates that petitioners inform the minor and the person who has primarily cared for the minor about their right to object to the guardianship and provide a description of the powers and duties of a guardian. The bill also clarifies that notice to a living parent is not required if the minor is at least 16 years old and cannot be located after a due diligence search. Furthermore, it allows the court to extend the authority of a temporary guardian beyond six months if deemed in the minor's best interest, and it requires the court to assess whether due diligence was exercised in locating a living parent when notice was not served.

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