The bill amends various sections of the Estates Code to clarify and expand the role of a guardian 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 also specify that a guardian ad litem is responsible for protecting the interests of the incapacitated person or proposed ward and is not liable for civil damages arising from their recommendations or opinions in this capacity.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the approval of annual accounts and reports by the court. If the court approves an annual account or report, it must enter an order to that effect. Conversely, if the court does not approve, it must also enter an order and require the guardian to file a new account or report within a specified timeframe. The bill also restricts individuals with adverse interests from contesting various aspects of guardianship, including the creation of a guardianship or the appointment of a guardian. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to guardianship proceedings that are pending or commenced on or after that date.

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 1002, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, 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 1002, Estates Code 1055, Estates Code 1163, Estates Code 1054)