This bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" to enhance guardianship and conservatorship procedures. It introduces a requirement for interested persons to file a request for notice before orders are made in guardianship proceedings, along with a specified fee structure for these requests. The bill emphasizes the importance of appointing suitable guardians and conservators, prioritizing those with a personal connection to the ward or protected individual. Additionally, it mandates that professional guardians and conservators undergo criminal background checks and file bonds, while clarifying limitations on their compensation. The bill also establishes criteria for determining the suitability of potential guardians and conservators, introduces provisions for co-guardians and co-conservators, and outlines the expiration and reissuance of letters of guardianship and conservatorship based on compliance with reporting requirements.

Moreover, the bill specifies new requirements for letters of conservatorship, including the necessity for an expiration date to be printed on these documents and the stipulation that letters cannot be reissued to a conservator who has failed to account to the court as required. The probate register is granted the authority to reissue letters of conservatorship without a hearing under these new provisions. The bill is set to take effect 365 days after being enacted, contingent upon the enactment of certain other bills from the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 700.5104