CA SB438

Authorizes juvenile courts to include a prospective successor guardian in assessments prepared for legal guardianship appointments of dependent children.

Allows a named successor guardian to be assessed and appointed following the same procedures as regular guardians if the original appointed guardian becomes incapacitated or dies.

Applies to assessments prepared under Sections 361.5, 366.21, 366.22, and 366.25 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

Contains conditional operative language requiring coordination with Assembly Bill 976, with Section 1.5 becoming operative only if both bills are enacted and SB 438 is enacted last.