North Dakota is one step closer to overhauling its guardianship system. The Senate narrowly passed a bill to create an Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, granting it broad oversight of professional guardians and conservators statewide. Supporters argue the move is long overdue, addressing accountability gaps and a shortage of guardians, while critics worry about judicial overreach and unnecessary bureaucracy. With a $15 million price tag and a razor-thin 24-23 vote, the bill now heads to the House, where the debate is far from over. Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story.
SB 2029
A BILL for an Act to create and enact chapter 27-27.1 and a new subsection to section 30.1-28-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an office of guardianship and conservatorship and the removal of a guardian; to amend and reenact section 30.1-29-15 and subsection 1 of section 50-24.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the removal of a conservator and the recovery of medical assistance expenses; to repeal chapter 27-27 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the task force on guardianship monitoring; to provide a penalty; to provide for a report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
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