CA AB260

Requires probate courts to have good cause before waiving investigations and prohibits courts from hearing guardianship petitions until child welfare agencies complete investigations and submit reports.

Directs the Judicial Council to develop a form explaining guardianship rights, duties, and obligations, plus information about services and supports available to probate guardians versus child welfare or juvenile court guardians.

Mandates social workers to immediately investigate and report within three weeks when probate courts refer matters to child welfare agencies; allows probate courts or appointed counsel to request juvenile court review if the social worker declines to file a dependency petition.

Authorizes juvenile courts to order social workers to commence dependency proceedings if they find prima facie evidence a child meets criteria under Section 300, with temporary guardian appointments not precluding such proceedings.

Exempts compliance costs from state reimbursement requirements, limiting the bill's application to local agencies only to the extent the state provides annual funding for cost increases.