SB 940 Summary

• Enacts the California Conservatorship Jurisdiction Act effective January 1, 2016, establishing jurisdiction standards and procedures for appointing conservators and transferring conservatorships between states, territories, federally recognized Indian tribes, and other jurisdictions.

• Authorizes courts to transfer conservatorships to another state when the conservatee is physically present or reasonably expected to move there permanently, and to accept transfers of conservatorships from other states after investigation and review.

• Creates a registration system allowing conservators appointed in other states to register orders in California to exercise powers while the conservatee resides outside the state, subject to California law and a $30 registration fee.

• Requires the Judicial Council to develop court rules and forms by January 1, 2016, and establishes appeal procedures for orders made under the new jurisdiction act.

• Modifies conservator oath requirements to obligate compliance with applicable laws at all times in any location within or outside the state, and makes conforming amendments to related probate code provisions regarding guardianships and conservatorships.