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 sufficient staffing to ensure proper care for wards and restricts unlicensed employees from making significant decisions on behalf of protected individuals.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a clear hierarchy for appointing guardians and conservators, prioritizing individuals with personal connections to the incapacitated or protected individuals, and includes provisions for professional guardians and conservators. The amendments aim to ensure that the best interests of wards and protected individuals are prioritized while maintaining accountability and transparency in the fiduciary roles. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 4728.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 700.5106