Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Guardianship Review Hearings topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves bill to shorten review timelines for guardianship petitions
Summary
House Bill 18 would require courts to schedule review hearings on petitions to terminate or modify guardianship within 30 days and hold the hearing no later than 60 days; the committee unanimously reported the bill as amended.
Representative Alsommer introduced House Bill 18 and told the House Judiciary Committee the measure responds to delays families face when seeking review of guardianship arrangements for incapacitated loved ones.
“This bill is about one thing: making sure that when red flags go up, when concerned family members come forward with legitimate concerns ... the legal system is responsive,” Representative Alsommer said, describing a personal family case that motivated the legislation.
Committee counsel explained the amendment adopted in committee would require courts to schedule a review hearing within 30 days of filing and hold the hearing no later than 60 days; courts may continue a case beyond 60 days if absolutely necessary and may address serial filers within 180 days. Counsel said the bill amends Title 20 and takes effect in 60 days.
Members thanked the sponsor and committee leadership for working on the amendment. The committee recorded a unanimous vote to report the bill as amended to the floor.
Representative Alsommer said the bill “protects the rights of the incapacitated, respects the courts, and gives families a pathway to help when help is desperately needed.”
