The bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" to enhance the procedures surrounding guardianship and conservatorship. Key updates include a requirement for interested parties to file a request for notice in guardianship proceedings, which must now include a statement of interest and the requester's address. Additionally, professional guardians and conservators are mandated to submit a criminal background check and file a bond prior to their appointment. The court is instructed to prioritize the appointment of suitable individuals based on specific criteria, including the preferences and relationships of the individuals involved.

Further amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of professional guardians and conservators, including the prohibition against delegating decision-making authority and the use of support staff under their supervision. The bill also introduces a provision that letters of guardianship and conservatorship must have an expiration date, ensuring accountability through required reporting on the condition of wards or protected individuals. It specifies that letters of conservatorship cannot be reissued to those who have failed to account to the court, and grants the probate register the authority to reissue letters without a hearing. The bill will take effect 365 days after enactment, contingent upon the passage of three other related bills from the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 700.5104