ND SB2029

Establishes an independent Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship with a 7-member operations committee (appointed by legislative management, chief justice, governor, and state bar) and a 7-member review board to oversee licensing, monitoring, and disciplinary proceedings for guardians and conservators

Creates a registry of guardians and conservators removed for good cause, disqualifying listed individuals from serving in future proceedings; requires licensure for anyone serving as guardian or conservator for 3+ unrelated adults

Appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund and authorizes 4 full-time equivalent positions for the 2025-2027 biennium, with additional staff and funding transfers from other agencies

Sets implementation timeline requiring operations committee appointments by August 1, 2025; executive director and investigation counsel appointments by August 31, 2025; review board appointments by January 1, 2026; and rules/policies finalized by March 31, 2026

Increases funeral expense allowance in medical assistance estate recovery from $3,500 to $5,000; establishes confidentiality protections with class C felony penalty for unauthorized disclosure of protected information