SB163 Summary

• Prohibits sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and sheriff's office employees from serving as general guardians or conservators of protected persons unless the county sheriff consents to the appointment.

• Amends Section 26-2-50 to remove the requirement that a sheriff be appointed as conservator when no other suitable person qualifies.

• Repeals Section 26-2-27, which previously allowed sheriffs to be appointed as guardians for minors.

• Establishes a priority list for conservator appointments under Section 26-2A-138, with a general guardian or sheriff conservator appointed only as a last resort when no other fit person applies and qualifies.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.