The proposed bill establishes the Office of Professional Corporate Guardians within the New Jersey Department of Human Services, tasked with overseeing the licensing and standards of practice for professional corporate guardians. This office will adopt regulations, set practice standards, and develop qualification criteria for guardians. It will maintain a searchable database of registered guardians and enforce compliance with established standards, including disciplinary measures for violations. To qualify as a professional corporate guardian, entities must meet specific requirements, such as having substitute guardians, proof of liability insurance, and passing background checks. The bill also prohibits self-dealing and conflicts of interest without court approval and allows the Office to charge registration and training fees not exceeding $300.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Office to access the child abuse and domestic violence registries for background checks on potential guardians, establishing disqualifications based on criminal history and prior abuse or violence. It outlines procedures for conducting these checks, including fingerprint submissions, and mandates the creation of an online registry detailing qualifications and disciplinary actions. The bill also addresses the designation of personal choice guardians through private arrangements, specifying the conditions for their duties and termination of guardianship. The act will take effect 180 days after enactment, allowing time for necessary administrative preparations.