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Senate bill would allow licensed CPAs to meet conservator certification requirement; committee hears supporters and concerns
Summary
Senate Bill 99 would permit licensed certified public accountants to qualify as private professional conservators without separate national guardianship certification. Sponsor and supporters said the change would expand the pool of qualified conservators; regulators and committee members discussed safeguards, fees and program size.
JUNEAU — The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 99 on a proposed pathway for certified public accountants to qualify for private professional conservator licenses without obtaining a national guardianship certificate.
Sen. Robert Myers, the bill sponsor, told the committee the change responds to constituent concerns that “the guardianship certification is costly and time intensive,” and that some requirements for full guardianship certification do not align with the financial‑only role of a conservator. Myers said the bill “seeks to create an alternative to the guardianship certification requirement currently in statute for individuals who are licensed as CPAs in Alaska.”
The bill's sectional analysis, presented by staffer Ashlyn Brooks, would add prior licensure as a CPA under AS 08.04 as an alternative to national guardianship certification for conservator licensing (AS 08.26.030), add conforming language for temporary licenses, allow temporary license holders up to one year to submit proof of certification or licensure, and add CPA licensure to provisions that make failure to maintain required credentials grounds for disciplinary action. The bill includes an immediate effective date for the statutory changes (AS 01.10.070).
Attorney Gordon Williams, who has practiced guardianship and conservatorship law for roughly 30 years, testified in support. Williams said professional conservatorship involves substantial constitutional considerations because the process removes certain rights from the individual under protection: “This is bare bones constitution,” he said, arguing CPAs are already trained in fiduciary responsibilities and are well suited to financial conservatorship duties.
Vivian Stiver, testifying as a private citizen and senior‑housing professional, described practical benefits for frail seniors if more licensed conservators were available. Stiver said a conservator’s limited powers over finances — collecting income, paying bills, securing assets and handling taxes — make accountants a reasonable fit and that licensed conservators can reduce caregiver stress and help detect financial fraud against seniors.
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Director Sylvain Robb said the division is neutral and described the program as very small — fewer than 20 current licensees — and noted that licensing actions would be handled by the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED). Robb said existing safeguards remain in place, including fingerprint‑based background checks and coordination with Adult Protective Services, long‑term care ombudsman and senior and disability services when checking applicants.
Committee members asked about training and continuing education. Brooks explained the national guardianship certification includes core competencies such as surrogate decision‑making and requires ongoing recertification; estimates in the committee packet put total costs for national certification and state licensing at roughly $1,800. Sponsor Myers said the intent is not to eliminate safeguards but to avoid imposing training and certification requirements targeted at full guardianship on professionals who would provide financial conservatorship only.
No committee vote was taken. At the end of the meeting Chair Bjorkman said the committee would “set this bill aside for further consideration at a future meeting.” The bill sponsor said one constituent had discontinued offering professional conservatorship services because of the time and cost of maintaining the certification and that the change aims to retain qualified providers for Alaska's aging population.
