S.B. No. 746 amends various sections of the Estates Code related to guardianship matters, specifically focusing on the role and responsibilities of a guardian ad litem. The bill clarifies that a "guardian ad litem" is appointed to represent the best interests of an incapacitated person or proposed ward in guardianship proceedings. It also establishes that a guardian ad litem is not liable for civil damages arising from their recommendations or opinions made in this capacity. Additionally, the bill outlines that individuals with adverse interests to a proposed ward or incapacitated person are prohibited from filing applications or contesting guardianship matters, with new provisions added to include the ability to contest the removal of a guardian.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for court orders regarding the approval of annual accounts and reports from guardians. If a court does not approve these documents, it must enter an order requiring the guardian to file a revised account or report within a specified timeframe. The amendments apply to guardianship proceedings that are pending or commenced on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for 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 1002, Estates Code 1054, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)
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 1002, Estates Code 1054, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)
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 1002, Estates Code 1054, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)
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 1002, Estates Code 1054, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)
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 1002, Estates Code 1054, Estates Code 1051, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)