This bill establishes a new office of guardianship and conservatorship in North Dakota, tasked with overseeing the regulation and administration of these services. It introduces a registry for guardians and conservators who are removed for good cause, disqualifying them from future appointments. The bill amends existing laws concerning the removal of conservators and the recovery of medical assistance expenses, including provisions for listing removed conservators on a registry. Additionally, it repeals previous laws related to a task force on guardianship monitoring and transition requirements, thereby streamlining the oversight process.

The newly created office will operate independently and will be responsible for developing policies, ethical standards, and monitoring services related to guardianship and conservatorship. It will include an operations committee, office staff, and a review board with members appointed by various authorities. The bill also establishes a Guardianship and Conservatorship Support Fund to support related services, outlines the responsibilities of office staff, and includes provisions for confidentiality and penalties for unauthorized disclosure of records. The effective date for certain sections of the bill is set for April 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Paulson: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Frelich: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Hanson: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07, 54-68-02.1
Enrollment: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07, 54-68-02.1
INTRODUCED: 30.1-29-15, 50-24.1-07