The bill amends various sections of the Estates Code to clarify and expand the role of guardians ad litem in guardianship proceedings. It defines a "guardian ad litem" as a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of an incapacitated person or proposed ward in a guardianship proceeding. The amendments include provisions that ensure the guardian ad litem is not liable for civil damages arising from their recommendations or opinions, and they also specify that individuals with adverse interests to a proposed ward cannot file applications or contest guardianship matters. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that mandates guardians of the estate to preserve the ward's estate plan and obtain court approval before making significant changes to beneficiary designations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for court approval of annual accounts and reports submitted by guardians, ensuring that if the court does not approve these documents, the guardian must file a revised account or report within a specified timeframe. The new provisions apply to guardianship proceedings that are pending or commenced after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the protection of the interests of incapacitated persons and proposed wards in guardianship matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 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 1054, Estates Code 1002, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163)