MS HB1285

Creates the Mississippi Guardianship and Conservatorship Act, replacing existing guardianship and conservatorship statutes in Title 93, Chapter 13 with comprehensive new provisions effective January 1, 2020.

Establishes procedures for appointment of guardians and conservators for both minors and adults, including requirements for notice, professional evaluation, court findings regarding less restrictive alternatives, and specific standards for determining incapacity.

Provides guardians and conservators with defined duties, powers, and limitations; requires guardians to file care plans and well-being reports; mandates conservators to file financial plans, inventories, and annual accountings with court oversight and monitoring.

Creates protections for wards including rights to notice, participation in decisions, communication with others, and access to court records; allows wards to petition for termination, modification, or removal of guardians/conservators.

Amends related statutes concerning federal firearm prohibition reporting, accounts payable upon death for minors, trust definitions, and adult guardianship jurisdiction to conform with the new guardianship and conservatorship framework.