HB 139 Summary

• Allows a guardian of an incapacitated person to appoint a successor guardian by will, which becomes effective upon the guardian's death once the appointed person provides notice and files acceptance with the probate court.

• Permits a guardian to name a successor guardian while still having capacity, giving that named person priority to serve if the original guardian becomes incapacitated.

• Changes language in guardian duties from "assure" to "ensure" regarding the ward's living arrangements, care, maintenance, and access to necessary services.

• Explicitly authorizes guardians to determine that life-sustaining procedures may be withheld or withdrawn from a ward if in the ward's best interest, consistent with AS 13.52.045.

• Clarifies that guardianship authority terminates upon the guardian's death, ward's death, guardian's incapacity determination, guardian's removal or resignation, or expiration of a court-ordered duration period.