AR HB1628

Creates new section 9-20-122 authorizing the Department of Human Services to conduct background checks, criminal records checks, maltreatment registry checks, and home evaluations for individuals seeking to be guardians or custodians of adults in DHS custody.

Amends guardianship definitions to include endangered or impaired adults in DHS custody as "incapacitated persons" eligible for guardianship under the existing guardianship statutes.

Allows convicted and unpardoned felons to serve as guardians of minors in DHS custody if their home has been opened as a foster home or adoptive home, creating an exception to the general prohibition on felon guardians.

Requires circuit courts to obtain Department of Human Services approval and evaluation before appointing any person or institution as guardian or custodian of an adult in DHS custody.

Makes grammatical and clarifying changes to guardianship qualification provisions by replacing "is" with "means" in definitions and restructuring subsection lettering throughout § 28-65-203.