S.B. No. 746 amends various sections of the Estates Code to clarify the role and responsibilities of a guardian ad litem in guardianship proceedings. The bill expands the definition of "guardian ad litem" to include representation for both incapacitated persons and proposed wards. It also specifies that a guardian ad litem is responsible for protecting the interests of the proposed ward and is not liable for civil damages related to their recommendations or opinions in this capacity. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that prevent individuals with adverse interests from contesting guardianship applications or seeking the removal of a guardian.

Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for court orders regarding annual accounts and reports from guardians. If a court does not approve an annual account or report, it must issue an order requiring the guardian to submit a revised account or report within a specified timeframe. These amendments aim to enhance the oversight and accountability of guardianship proceedings, ensuring that the best interests of incapacitated individuals and proposed wards are prioritized. The provisions of this act will apply to guardianship proceedings that are pending or initiated on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Estates Code 1002.013, Estates Code 1051.103, Estates Code 1054.051, Estates Code 1054.054, Estates Code 1054.056, Estates Code 1055.001, Estates Code 1163.051, Estates Code 1163.104 (Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1054)
Senate Committee Report: Estates Code 1002.013, Estates Code 1054.051, Estates Code 1054.054, Estates Code 1054.056, Estates Code 1055.001, Estates Code 1163.051, Estates Code 1163.104 (Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1054)
Engrossed: Estates Code 1002.013, Estates Code 1054.051, Estates Code 1054.054, Estates Code 1054.056, Estates Code 1055.001, Estates Code 1163.051, Estates Code 1163.104 (Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1054)
House Committee Report: Estates Code 1002.013, Estates Code 1054.051, Estates Code 1054.054, Estates Code 1054.056, Estates Code 1055.001, Estates Code 1163.051, Estates Code 1163.104 (Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1054)
Enrolled: Estates Code 1002.013, Estates Code 1054.051, Estates Code 1054.054, Estates Code 1054.056, Estates Code 1055.001, Estates Code 1163.051, Estates Code 1163.104 (Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1054)