HB 55 Summary

• Creates the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act to establish jurisdiction standards for guardianship and conservatorship proceedings across multiple states.

• Grants Mississippi courts jurisdiction to appoint guardians or issue protective orders based on: the respondent's home state (physically present for 6+ consecutive months), significant connection to the state, or emergency circumstances for up to 90 days.

• Permits transfer of existing guardianships and conservatorships to another state and allows registration and recognition of guardianship and conservatorship orders from other states.

• Authorizes courts to communicate and cooperate with courts in other states, including taking testimony from witnesses in other states via deposition, phone, or videoconference.

• Effective July 1, 2011, with application to guardianship proceedings begun on or after that date; certain provisions apply to proceedings begun before that date.