This bill establishes a new office of guardianship and conservatorship in North Dakota, tasked with overseeing the regulation and administration of guardianship and conservatorship 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 regarding the removal of conservators and the recovery of medical assistance expenses, including provisions for the court to list removed conservators on a registry. Additionally, it repeals previous legislation 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, procedures, and ethical standards for guardians and conservators. It will maintain a review board to conduct disciplinary proceedings and issue sanctions, with members appointed from various organizations, including the protection and advocacy project and the state bar association. The bill also establishes a Guardianship and Conservatorship Support Fund, continuously appropriated to support related services, and authorizes $1,200,000 in funding for the office for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. Certain sections of the bill will take effect on April 1, 2026, ensuring a structured and well-funded approach to guardianship and conservatorship in the state.

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