VT H0624

Creates the Adult Involuntary Guardianship Working Group to study whether to consolidate Title 14 involuntary guardianships with Title 18 guardianships for persons with developmental disabilities into one court division

Working Group consists of 10 members including the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living; judges; attorneys appointed by the Vermont Bar Association and Vermont Legal Aid; a guardian ad litem; and a Vermont Center for Independent Living representative

First meeting must occur on or before August 1, 2026, with the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living calling the initial meeting

Report with recommendations and proposed legislative changes due to House and Senate Judiciary Committees, House Committee on Human Services, and Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by December 15, 2026

Report must address judicial resources required, Vermont Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction, and ensuring equal access to voluntary guardianships for respondents under both Title 14 and Title 18