HB 2079 Summary

• Amends conditions for court appointment of guardians for minors to include parental consent, termination of parental rights, or a finding that no parent is willing or able to care for the minor (for minors age 16+ not in open dependency cases).

• Requires notice of guardianship hearings to living parents of the minor unless the parent cannot be located after due diligence search and the minor is at least 16 years old and not in an open dependency case.

• Adds requirement that guardianship notice include a statement of the right to object to the appointment and a description of the nature, purpose, and consequences of guardianship powers and duties.

• Mandates the court determine whether the petitioner exercised due diligence to locate a living parent if no parent was served notice.

• Permits courts to extend temporary guardianship appointments beyond six months if determined to be in the best interests of the minor.