ND HB1354

Creates the Commission on Guardianship as a new state agency to develop and monitor delivery of state-funded guardianship services under North Dakota law.

Establishes a 10-member commission appointed by the governor, legislature, supreme court chief justice, protection and advocacy director, and Department of Human Services, with members serving three-year terms (maximum two consecutive terms).

Appoints a director who must be a nationally certified guardian to administer guardianship services, hire staff, conduct training programs, and submit annual reports to legislative management by August first each year.

Creates a special guardianship fund for collecting fees from individuals with sufficient financial resources and establishes state's preferred claim against estates for recovery of funds expended on guardianship services, with no statute of limitations.

Designates guardianship information as confidential except for authorized staff, courts, public officials, and individuals with legitimate interests in the ward's well-being; violations subject to penalties under section 12.1-13-01.