FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5699

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: In 2007 the Legislature passed SSB 5320, which established an Office of Public Guardianship (OPG) within the Administrative Office of the Courts, to provide guardianship services to incapacitated individuals for whom adequate services may otherwise be unavailable. Initial implementation of the OPG is limited to a pilot basis. The OPG has started pilot programs in the following counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Okanogan, Pierce, and Spokane.

Public guardians must be certified by the Certified Professional Guardian Board and meet minimum standards of practice established by the OPG. Additionally, a public guardian may not serve as a guardian for more than 20 individuals at one time. Currently, the OPG is only authorized to provide training for public guardians who are already under contract with the OPG.

In 2007 the Governor vetoed a section of SSB 5320 that established a Public Guardianship Advisory Committee to review the activities of the OPG and make recommendations on issues relating to the provision of public guardianship services. However, references to the advisory committee remain throughout the public guardianship statute.

Summary: The authority of the OPG is expanded to allow training for individuals who are likely to provide service to the OPG in the future.

References to the advisory committee that was vetoed by the Governor in 2007 are removed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	45	0
House	98	0