Substitute Senate Bill No. 1368 establishes a working group tasked with studying and improving the statutes, policies, and procedures related to Probate Court guardianship proceedings. This initiative is in response to recommendations from the Office of the Child Advocate and includes a comprehensive review of relevant reports. The working group will consist of various members, including representatives from the Probate Court, the Departments of Children and Families and Social Services, the Child Advocate, and individuals with personal experience in guardianship matters, such as parents and former wards of the court.

The bill outlines the structure and appointment process for the working group, requiring initial appointments to be made within thirty days of the bill's passage. The group will be co-chaired by the chairpersons of the judiciary committee and is expected to hold its first meeting within sixty days. Additionally, the working group is mandated to submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026, after which it will dissolve. The bill does not include any deletions from current law but introduces new provisions to enhance the oversight and effectiveness of guardianship proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
KID Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 175: