5667-S AMH LJ H3000.1

SSB 5667 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Law & Justice

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "Sec. 1.  RCW 11.88.020 and 1990 c 122 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any suitable person over the age of eighteen years, or any parent under the age of eighteen years or, if the petition is for appointment of a professional guardian, any individual or guardianship service that meets any certification requirements established by the administrator for the courts, may, if not otherwise disqualified, be appointed guardian or limited guardian of the person and/or the estate of an incapacitated person((; any trust company regularly organized under the laws of this state and national banks when authorized so to do may act as guardian or limited guardian of the estate of an incapacitated person; and any nonprofit corporation may act as guardian or limited guardian of the person and/or estate of an incapacitated person if the articles of incorporation or bylaws of such corporation permit such action and such corporation is in compliance with all applicable provisions of Title 24 RCW)).  A financial institution subject to the jurisdiction of the department of financial institutions and authorized to exercise trust powers, and a federally chartered financial institution when authorized to do so, may act as a guardian of the estate of an incapacitated person without having to meet the certification requirements established by the administrator for the courts.  No person is qualified to serve as a guardian who is

    (((1))) (a) under eighteen years of age except as otherwise provided herein;

    (((2))) (b) of unsound mind;

    (((3))) (c) convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

    (((4))) (d) a nonresident of this state who has not appointed a resident agent to accept service of process in all actions or proceedings with respect to the estate and caused such appointment to be filed with the court;

    (((5))) (e) a corporation not authorized to act as a fiduciary, guardian, or limited guardian in the state;

    (((6))) (f) a person whom the court finds unsuitable.

(2) The professional guardian certification requirements required under this section shall not apply to a testamentary guardian appointed under RCW 11.88.080.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 11.88 RCW to read as follows:

    As used in this chapter, "professional guardian" means a guardian appointed under this chapter who is not a member of the incapacitated person's family and who charges fees for carrying out the duties of court‑appointed guardian of three or more incapacitated persons.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The administrator for the courts shall study, and make recommendations on, standards and criteria for implementing a system of certification of professional guardians as defined in section 2 of this act and improved coordination between guardians and guardians ad litem.

    (2) In conducting the study and preparing the recommendations, the administrator may include examination of:

    (a) Criteria for certification as a professional guardian;

    (b) Whether persons other than an alleged incapacitated person should be given standing to request a jury trial to determine incapacity;

    (c) Whether, following the appointment of a guardian, a guardian ad litem may continue to serve at public expense;

    (d) Whether the superior court should have authority to limit fees for attorneys, guardians, and guardians ad litem;

    (e) The appropriate entity to certify professional guardians; and

    (f) Grounds for discipline of professional guardians.

    (3) In conducting the study, the administrator shall consult with the appropriate groups and interested parties including, but not limited to, representatives of senior citizens, members of both chambers of the legislature, the bar association, superior court judges, associations affiliated with persons with developmental and chronic functional disabilities, health care organizations, persons who act as guardians for compensation and on a voluntary basis, and guardians ad litem.

    (4) The administrator shall submit the results of the study and recommendations to the governor and legislature not later than January 1, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  The sum of thirty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the administrator for the courts for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  Sections 1 and 2 of this act take effect January 1, 1999."

    Correct the title accordingly.

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