HSB 14

This bill relates to the creation, administration, and termination of minor guardianships. Under current law, a petition for guardianship only requires the address and name of any adult who was the primary caregiver or lived with the minor for the six months prior. The bill provides that a petition for guardianship must include the name and address of the primary caregiver or adult with whom the minor has lived anytime during the six months immediately before the filing. Under the bill, the petition must also include whether there is already a conservatorship in place for the minor. 304. The bill provides the qualifications and term of service of a court visitor for the minor. The bill provides that results of background checks of the proposed guardian in the months prior to filing of the petition may be used; current law permits the use of background checks within the prior months. Results of the background checks may be shared with good cause to the proposed guardian. _____ minor shall state the date that the first reporting period for the guardianship will end. The bill provides that the initial care plan shall include the guardian’s plan for funds and benefits payable for the support of the minor and the verified annual report shall include the results of the guardian’s efforts to receive funds or benefits and the account for the use of the funds or benefits. The bill provides that upon termination of guardianship in which the guardian has custody of the minor’s assets, the assets must be returned to the minor or a fiduciary for the minor for any of the following accounts: a uniform transfer to minors Act account, an educational savings plan trust account, or an ABLE savings plan trust account.