This bill establishes a new office of guardianship and conservatorship in North Dakota, which will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of guardians and conservators. It introduces a registry for those 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, allowing courts to list removed conservators on a registry. Additionally, it repeals previous laws related to a task force on guardianship monitoring and transition requirements.

The newly created office will operate independently, developing policies, procedures, and ethical standards for guardianship and conservatorship services, while also monitoring these services and providing biennial reports to legislative management. The bill outlines the structure of the office, including the formation of an operations committee and a review board, and details the appointment process for board members. It establishes a Guardianship and Conservatorship Support Fund to support related services, includes provisions for investigating complaints against guardians and conservators, and specifies penalties for non-compliance with subpoenas. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with certain sections becoming effective on 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