The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the rights of individuals involved in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. Key provisions include a requirement for petitions for guardianship to be heard within 60 days, unless an extension is granted for good cause, and mandates that respondents receive clear notice of their legal rights, including the right to counsel and a jury trial. The role of court visitors is clarified, emphasizing their responsibility to inform respondents about the proceedings and file detailed reports on the respondents' needs. Additionally, the bill ensures that respondents are entitled to legal representation, particularly if they object to the petition, and emphasizes the preservation of their rights, such as voting and marriage, unless explicitly restricted by court order.

Further amendments focus on the appointment and responsibilities of guardians and conservators, including requirements for timely filing of reports and the expiration of original letters of office. The bill also mandates notification of family members regarding significant changes in conservatorship arrangements and outlines the rights of individuals under conservatorship, ensuring they have access to legal representation. It establishes conditions for notifying family members of adults and minors under conservatorship and enhances protections for individuals with disabilities by allowing access to court records under specific circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections and ensure that individuals subject to guardianship or conservatorship receive adequate support and representation throughout the process.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 11.130.090, 11.130.170, 11.130.195, 11.130.200, 11.130.205, 11.130.210, 11.130.215, 11.130.220, 11.130.225, 11.130.240, 11.130.275, 11.130.280, 11.130.285, 11.130.300, 11.130.310, 11.130.380, 11.130.385, 11.130.400, 11.130.410, 11.130.420, 11.130.425, 11.130.605, 11.130.610, 11.130.620, 11.130.630, 11.130.730, 11.130.750
Substitute bill: 11.130.275, 11.130.280, 11.130.285, 11.130.300, 11.130.310, 11.130.380, 11.130.385, 11.130.400, 11.130.410, 11.130.420, 11.130.425, 11.130.605, 11.130.610, 11.130.620, 11.130.630, 11.130.730, 11.130.750
Engrossed substitute: 11.130.275, 11.130.280, 11.130.285, 11.130.300, 11.130.310, 11.130.380, 11.130.385, 11.130.400, 11.130.410, 11.130.420, 11.130.425, 11.130.605, 11.130.610, 11.130.620, 11.130.630, 11.130.730, 11.130.750
Bill as passed Legislature: 11.130.275, 11.130.280, 11.130.285, 11.130.300, 11.130.310, 11.130.380, 11.130.385, 11.130.400, 11.130.410, 11.130.420, 11.130.425, 11.130.605, 11.130.610, 11.130.620, 11.130.630, 11.130.730, 11.130.750
Session law: 11.130.275, 11.130.280, 11.130.285, 11.130.300, 11.130.310, 11.130.380, 11.130.385, 11.130.400, 11.130.410, 11.130.420, 11.130.425, 11.130.605, 11.130.610, 11.130.620, 11.130.630, 11.130.730, 11.130.750