The bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" by updating sections 5106, 5313, and 5409 to enhance the qualifications and responsibilities of professional guardians and conservators. Key changes include the requirement that, starting two years after the bill's effective date, individuals appointed as professional guardians or conservators must be licensed under specific provisions of the occupational code. Additionally, the bill stipulates that professional guardians and conservators must file a bond and disclose any compensation received from sources other than the estate of the individual they are serving. It also emphasizes the need for adequate staffing to ensure proper care for wards and restricts unlicensed employees from making significant decisions on behalf of protected individuals.

Furthermore, the bill revises the appointment process for guardians and conservators, establishing a clear order of priority for potential candidates, including licensed professionals. It prohibits the appointment of agencies that financially benefit from providing services to the incapacitated individual. The amendments aim to ensure that the best interests of wards and protected individuals are prioritized, while also enhancing accountability and transparency in the fiduciary roles of guardians and conservators.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 700.5106