88R6862 EAS-F
 
  By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1624
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to guardianships, alternatives to guardianship, and
  supports and services for incapacitated persons.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 22.016, Estates Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 22.016.  INCAPACITATED PERSON. A person is
  "incapacitated" if the person:
               (1)  is a minor;
               (2)  is an adult who, because of a physical or mental
  condition, is substantially unable to do the following even with
  appropriate supports and services:
                     (A)  provide food, clothing, or shelter for
  himself or herself;
                     (B)  care for the person's own physical health; or
                     (C)  manage the person's own financial affairs; or
               (3)  must have a guardian appointed for the person to
  receive funds due the person from a governmental source.
         SECTION 2.  Section 1002.017, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1002.017.  INCAPACITATED PERSON. "Incapacitated
  person" means:
               (1)  a minor;
               (2)  an adult who, because of a physical or mental
  condition, is substantially unable to do the following even with
  appropriate supports and services:
                     (A)  provide food, clothing, or shelter for
  himself or herself;
                     (B)  care for the person's own physical health; or
                     (C)  manage the person's own financial affairs; or
               (3)  a person who must have a guardian appointed for the
  person to receive funds due the person from a governmental source.
         SECTION 3.  Section 1054.001, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1054.001.  APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY AD LITEM IN
  PROCEEDING FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN. In a proceeding under this
  title for the appointment of a guardian, the court shall appoint an
  attorney ad litem to represent the proposed ward's interests,
  including the proposed ward's expressed wishes.
         SECTION 4.  Section 1054.003, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1054.003.  ACCESS TO RECORDS. An attorney ad litem
  appointed under Section 1054.001 or an attorney retained by a ward
  or proposed ward under Section 1054.006 or 1202.103 shall be
  provided copies of all of the current records in the guardianship
  case. The attorney ad litem or retained attorney may have access to
  all of the proposed ward's relevant medical, psychological, and
  intellectual testing records.
         SECTION 5.  Section 1054.006, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1054.006.  REPRESENTATION OF WARD OR PROPOSED WARD BY
  ATTORNEY. (a) A ward or proposed ward [The following persons] may
  at any time retain an attorney who holds a certificate required by
  Subchapter E to represent the ward's or proposed ward's [person's]
  interests, including the ward's or proposed ward's expressed
  wishes, in a guardianship proceeding, including a proceeding
  involving the complete restoration of the ward's capacity or
  modification of the ward's guardianship, instead of having those
  interests represented by an attorney ad litem appointed under
  Section 1054.001 or another provision of this title[:
               [(1)  a ward who retains the power to enter into a
  contract under the terms of the guardianship, subject to Section
  1202.103; and
               [(2)  a proposed ward for purposes of a proceeding for
  the appointment of a guardian as long as the proposed ward has
  capacity to contract].
         (b)  Subject to Subsection (c), if a ward or proposed ward
  has retained an attorney under Subsection (a), [If] the court
  [finds that the ward or the proposed ward has capacity to contract,
  the court may] shall remove an attorney ad litem appointed under
  Section 1054.001 or any other provision of this title that requires
  the court to appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the interests
  of a ward or proposed ward and appoint a ward or a proposed ward's
  retained counsel.
         (c)  On the court's own motion or on the motion of a party to
  a guardianship proceeding, the court shall hold a hearing on the
  ward's or proposed ward's capacity to contract and retain an
  attorney under Subsection (a). If the court finds that the ward or
  proposed ward does not understand the guardianship proceeding or
  the purpose for which the attorney was retained, the court shall
  remove the retained attorney and appoint an attorney ad litem under
  Section 1202.101 or another provision of this title that requires
  the court to appoint an attorney ad litem, as applicable.
         (d)  An attorney retained for a ward or proposed ward under
  this section must represent the ward's or proposed ward's
  interests, including the ward's or proposed ward's expressed
  wishes.
         SECTION 6.  Section 1054.007, Estates Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  An attorney ad litem appointed for a ward or proposed
  ward under this title shall represent the ward's or proposed ward's
  interests, including the ward's or proposed ward's expressed
  wishes.
         SECTION 7.  Section 1054.051, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1054.051.  APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN
  GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDING. (a) The judge may appoint a person who
  is not an interested person as a guardian ad litem to represent the
  interests of an incapacitated person in a guardianship proceeding.
         (b)  A person appointed as a guardian ad litem may not be:
               (1)  appointed as an attorney ad litem for the
  guardianship proceeding except as provided by Section 1054.052 or
  1203.051;
               (2)  a current or former temporary guardian or
  permanent guardian of the ward or proposed ward; or
               (3)  an opposing party in the guardianship proceeding.
         SECTION 8.  Subchapter D, Chapter 1054, Estates Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1054.157 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1054.157.  REQUIRED TRAINING. At least once every two
  years, a court investigator shall complete at least one hour of
  training on alternatives to guardianship and supports and services
  available to a proposed ward in accordance with Section 22.0133,
  Government Code.
         SECTION 9.  Section 1151.351(b), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  Unless limited by a court or otherwise restricted by
  law, a ward is authorized to the following:
               (1)  to have a copy of the guardianship order and
  letters of guardianship and contact information for the probate
  court that issued the order and letters;
               (2)  to have a guardianship that encourages the
  development or maintenance of maximum self-reliance and
  independence in the ward with the eventual goal, if possible, of
  self-sufficiency;
               (3)  to be treated with respect, consideration, and
  recognition of the ward's dignity and individuality;
               (4)  to reside and receive support services in the most
  integrated setting, including home-based or other community-based
  settings, as required by Title II of the Americans with
  Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12131 et seq.);
               (5)  to consideration of the ward's current and
  previously stated personal preferences, desires, medical and
  psychiatric treatment preferences, religious beliefs, living
  arrangements, and other preferences and opinions;
               (6)  to financial self-determination for all public
  benefits after essential living expenses and health needs are met
  and to have access to a monthly personal allowance;
               (7)  to receive timely and appropriate health care and
  medical treatment that does not violate the ward's rights granted
  by the constitution and laws of this state and the United States;
               (8)  to exercise full control of all aspects of life not
  specifically granted by the court to the guardian;
               (9)  to control the ward's personal environment based
  on the ward's preferences;
               (10)  to complain or raise concerns regarding the
  guardian or guardianship to the court, including living
  arrangements, retaliation by the guardian, conflicts of interest
  between the guardian and service providers, or a violation of any
  rights under this section;
               (11)  to receive notice in the ward's native language,
  or preferred mode of communication, and in a manner accessible to
  the ward, of a court proceeding to continue, modify, or terminate
  the guardianship and the opportunity to appear before the court to
  express the ward's preferences and concerns regarding whether the
  guardianship should be continued, modified, or terminated;
               (12)  to have a court investigator or guardian ad litem
  appointed by the court to investigate a complaint received by the
  court from the ward or any person about the guardianship;
               (13)  to participate in social, religious, and
  recreational activities, training, employment, education,
  habilitation, and rehabilitation of the ward's choice in the most
  integrated setting;
               (14)  to self-determination in the substantial
  maintenance, disposition, and management of real and personal
  property after essential living expenses and health needs are met,
  including the right to receive notice and object about the
  substantial maintenance, disposition, or management of clothing,
  furniture, vehicles, and other personal effects;
               (15)  to personal privacy and confidentiality in
  personal matters, subject to state and federal law;
               (16)  to unimpeded, private, and uncensored
  communication and visitation with persons of the ward's choice,
  except that if the guardian determines that certain communication
  or visitation causes substantial harm to the ward:
                     (A)  the guardian may limit, supervise, or
  restrict communication or visitation, but only to the extent
  necessary to protect the ward from substantial harm; and
                     (B)  the ward may request a hearing to remove any
  restrictions on communication or visitation imposed by the guardian
  under Paragraph (A);
               (17)  to petition the court and retain counsel of the
  ward's choice who holds a certificate required by Subchapter E,
  Chapter 1054, to represent the ward's interest for capacity
  restoration, modification of the guardianship, the appointment of a
  different guardian, or for other appropriate relief under this
  subchapter, including a transition to a supported decision-making
  agreement, except as limited by Section 1054.006;
               (18)  to vote in a public election, marry, and retain a
  license to operate a motor vehicle, unless restricted by the court;
               (19)  to personal visits from the guardian or the
  guardian's designee at least once every three months, but more
  often, if necessary, unless the court orders otherwise;
               (20)  to be informed of the name, address, phone
  number, and purpose of Disability Rights Texas, an organization
  whose mission is to protect the rights of, and advocate for, persons
  with disabilities, and to communicate and meet with representatives
  of that organization;
               (21)  to be informed of the name, address, phone
  number, and purpose of an independent living center, an area agency
  on aging, an aging and disability resource center, and the local
  mental health and intellectual and developmental disability
  center, and to communicate and meet with representatives from these
  agencies and organizations;
               (22)  to be informed of the name, address, phone
  number, and purpose of the Judicial Branch Certification Commission
  and the procedure for filing a complaint against a certified
  guardian;
               (23)  to contact the Department of Family and
  Protective Services to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or
  violation of personal rights without fear of punishment,
  interference, coercion, or retaliation;
               (24)  to have the guardian, on appointment and on
  annual renewal of the guardianship, explain the rights delineated
  in this subsection in the ward's native language, or preferred mode
  of communication, and in a manner accessible to the ward; [and]
               (25)  to make decisions related to sexual assault
  crisis services, including consenting to a forensic medical
  examination and treatment, authorizing the collection of forensic
  evidence, consenting to the release of evidence contained in an
  evidence collection kit and disclosure of related confidential
  information, and receiving counseling and other support services;
  and 
               (26)  to have private communications with the ward's
  physicians or other medical professionals, unless the court, after
  a hearing requested by the ward's guardian, orders the private
  communications to be limited due to the risk of substantial harm to
  the ward.
         SECTION 10.  Section 1163.101, Estates Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to read as
  follows:
         (c)  The guardian of the person shall file a sworn affidavit
  that contains:
               (1)  the guardian's current name, address, and
  telephone number;
               (2)  the ward's date of birth and current name, address,
  telephone number, and age;
               (3)  a description of the type of home in which the ward
  resides, which shall be described as:
                     (A)  the ward's own home;
                     (B)  a nursing home;
                     (C)  a guardian's home;
                     (D)  a foster home;
                     (E)  a boarding home;
                     (F)  a relative's home, in which case the
  description must specify the relative's relationship to the ward;
                     (G)  a hospital or medical facility; or
                     (H)  another type of residence;
               (4)  statements indicating:
                     (A)  the length of time the ward has resided in the
  present home;
                     (B)  the reason for a change in the ward's
  residence, if a change in the ward's residence has occurred in the
  past year;
                     (C)  the date the guardian most recently saw the
  ward;
                     (D)  how frequently the guardian has seen the ward
  in the past year;
                     (E)  whether the guardian has possession or
  control of the ward's estate;
                     (F)  whether the ward's mental health has
  improved, deteriorated, or remained unchanged during the past year,
  including a description of the change if a change has occurred;
                     (G)  whether the ward's physical health has
  improved, deteriorated, or remained unchanged during the past year,
  including a description of the change if a change has occurred;
                     (H)  whether the ward has regular medical care;
  [and]
                     (I)  the ward's treatment or evaluation by any of
  the following persons during the past year, including the person's
  name and a description of the treatment:
                           (i)  a physician;
                           (ii)  a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other
  mental health care provider;
                           (iii)  a dentist;
                           (iv)  a social or other caseworker; or
                           (v)  any other individual who provided
  treatment; and 
                     (J)  supports and services the ward has received
  or is currently receiving, as described by Subsection (d);
               (5)  a description of the ward's activities during the
  past year, including recreational, educational, social, and
  occupational activities, or a statement that no activities were
  available or that the ward was unable or refused to participate in
  activities;
               (6)  the guardian's evaluation of:
                     (A)  the ward's living arrangements as excellent,
  average, or below average, including an explanation if the
  conditions are below average;
                     (B)  whether the ward is content or unhappy with
  the ward's living arrangements; and
                     (C)  unmet needs of the ward;
               (7)  a statement indicating whether the guardian's
  power should be increased, decreased, or unaltered, including an
  explanation if a change is recommended;
               (8)  a statement indicating that the guardian has paid
  the bond premium for the next reporting period;
               (9)  if the guardian is a private professional
  guardian, a guardianship program, or the Health and Human Services
  Commission, whether the guardian or an individual certified under
  Subchapter C, Chapter 155, Government Code, who is providing
  guardianship services to the ward and who is filing the affidavit on
  the guardian's behalf, is or has been the subject of an
  investigation conducted by the Judicial Branch Certification
  Commission during the preceding year; and
               (10)  any additional information the guardian desires
  to share with the court regarding the ward, including:
                     (A)  whether the guardian has filed for emergency
  detention of the ward under Subchapter A, Chapter 573, Health and
  Safety Code; and
                     (B)  if applicable, the number of times the
  guardian has filed for emergency detention and the dates of the
  applications for emergency detention.
         (d)  The statements in the sworn affidavit regarding the
  ward's supports and services under Subsection (c)(4)(J) must
  include:
               (1)  information regarding actions the guardian is
  taking to encourage the development of the ward's maximum
  self-reliance and independence;
               (2)  a list of all the supports and services the ward is
  currently receiving, including whether the ward:
                     (A)  has a representative payee;
                     (B)  receives services from a local mental health
  authority or local intellectual and developmental disability
  authority;
                     (C)  receives any supports and services under
  Medicaid, including under a Medicaid waiver program authorized
  under Section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
  Section 1396n); and
                     (D)  receives any supports and services
  informally;
               (3)  where the ward receives the supports and services
  described by Subdivision (2);
               (4)  who provides the supports and services described
  by Subdivision (2);
               (5)  a list of the supports and services the ward
  previously received or attempted to receive and why the support or
  service was discontinued or not received; and
               (6)  the guardian's opinion on whether the ward has the
  capacity or sufficient capacity with supports and services for
  complete restoration of the ward's capacity or modification of the
  guardianship under Chapter 1202 or the reasons why the ward does not
  have the capacity or sufficient capacity with supports and services
  for complete restoration of the ward's capacity or modification of
  the guardianship under Chapter 1202.
         SECTION 11.  Section 1201.052, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1201.052.  ANNUAL DETERMINATION; HEARING. (a) To
  determine whether a guardianship should be continued, modified, or
  terminated, the court in which the guardianship proceeding is
  pending:
               (1)  shall review annually each guardianship in which
  the application to create the guardianship was filed after
  September 1, 1993; and
               (2)  may review annually any other guardianship.
         (b)  A court in which the guardianship proceeding is pending
  may conduct a hearing under this section.
         SECTION 12.  Section 1201.053, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1201.053.  METHOD OF DETERMINATION. (a) In reviewing a
  guardianship under Section 1201.052, a statutory probate court
  shall review any [may]:
               (1)  [review any] report prepared by:
                     (A)  a court investigator under Section 1054.153
  or 1202.054;
                     (B)  a guardian ad litem under Section 1202.054;
  or
                     (C)  a court visitor under Section 1054.104;
               (2)  [conduct a hearing; or
               [(3)  review an] annual account prepared under
  Subchapter A, Chapter 1163; and
               (3)  [, or a ] report prepared under Subchapter C,
  Chapter 1163.
         (a-1)  Unless a court orders that a report be completed more
  frequently, if a report described by Subsection (a)(1) is required:
               (1)  under Section 1054.153 or 1054.104, the court
  investigator or court visitor, as appropriate, shall prepare an
  additional report described by Subsection (a)(1) every three years
  beginning on the date the original letters of guardianship are
  issued; or
               (2)  under Section 1202.054, the court investigator or
  guardian ad litem, as applicable, shall prepare an additional
  report described by Subsection (a)(1) every three years beginning
  on the date of the last hearing relating to the guardianship held
  under Subchapter D, Chapter 1202.
         (a-2)  Before preparing an additional report under
  Subsection (a-1), the court investigator, guardian ad litem, or
  court visitor, as appropriate, shall:
               (1)  meet with the ward in person, using necessary and
  appropriate communication supports;
               (2)  present the bill of rights for wards under Section
  1151.351 to the ward in the ward's preferred language and manner of
  communication;
               (3)  document the ward's statement of guardianship, as
  described by Subsection (a-3); and
               (4)  document the supports and services currently
  available to the ward and whether the guardian's rights and powers
  can be limited because a less restrictive alternative to
  guardianship is appropriate.
         (a-3)  The ward's statement of guardianship:
               (1)  must include:
                     (A)  whether the ward desires a full restoration
  of the ward's capacity or modification of the ward's guardianship;
  and
                     (B)  any other information the ward wishes to
  share with the court; and
               (2)  may be in the form of:
                     (A)  a written statement made by the ward and
  filed with the court by the court investigator, guardian ad litem,
  or court visitor preparing the report;
                     (B)  a verbal statement made to the court
  investigator, guardian ad litem, or court visitor, as applicable,
  that is documented in writing and filed with the court by the person
  receiving the statement; or
                     (C)  a verbal or written statement made by the
  ward during a hearing either in person or remotely through other
  means.
         (b)  A court that is not a statutory probate court:
               (1)  shall review:
                     (A)  any account prepared under Subchapter A,
  Chapter 1163; and
                     (B)  any report prepared under Subchapter C,
  Chapter 1163 or Subsection (a-1); and
               (2)  may use any other method to review a guardianship
  under Section 1201.052 that is determined appropriate by the court
  according to the court's caseload and available resources.
         SECTION 13.  Section 1202.101, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1202.101.  APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY AD LITEM. (a)
  Unless the ward retains an attorney under Section 1202.103, the
  [The] court shall appoint an attorney ad litem to represent a ward
  in a proceeding for the complete restoration of the ward's capacity
  or for the modification of the ward's guardianship. Unless
  otherwise provided by the court, the attorney ad litem shall
  represent the ward only for purposes of the restoration or
  modification proceeding. The attorney ad litem shall represent the
  ward's interests, including the ward's expressed wishes.
         (b)  The attorney ad litem has an attorney-client
  relationship with the ward the attorney ad litem is appointed to
  represent under this section.
         SECTION 14.  Section 1202.152, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1202.152.  EVIDENCE OF CAPACITY WITH OR WITHOUT
  SUPPORTS AND SERVICES [PHYSICIAN'S LETTER OR CERTIFICATE
  REQUIRED]. (a) The court may consider the following evidence of
  capacity or capacity with supports and services at a hearing under
  Section 1202.151:
               (1)  a written letter or certificate signed by a
  physician or psychologist licensed in this state;
               (2)  a statement from a representative of the local
  mental health authority or the local intellectual and developmental
  disability authority listing services received by the ward and the
  effectiveness of those services;
               (3)  medical records;
               (4)  affidavits of treating professionals regarding
  the effectiveness of supports and services the ward is receiving;
               (5)  documentation from a health care provider
  providing supports or services to the ward under Medicaid,
  including a Medicaid waiver program authorized under Section
  1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section
  1396n);
               (6)  an affidavit of the ward's employer or day
  habilitation program manager regarding the ward's ability to
  perform the necessary tasks;
               (7)  documentation from the United States Social
  Security Administration identifying the ward's representative
  payee; or
               (8)  any other evidence demonstrating the ward's
  capacity [not grant an order completely restoring a ward's capacity
  or modifying a ward's guardianship under an application filed under
  Section 1202.051 unless the applicant presents to the court a
  written letter or certificate from a physician licensed in this
  state that is dated:
               [(1)  not earlier than the 120th day before the date the
  application was filed; or
               [(2)  after the date the application was filed but
  before the date of the hearing].
         (b)  A letter or certificate presented under Subsection
  (a)(1) must:
               (1)  describe the nature and degree of incapacity,
  including the medical history if reasonably available, or state
  that, in the physician's opinion, the ward has the capacity, or
  sufficient capacity with supports and services, to:
                     (A)  provide food, clothing, and shelter for
  himself or herself;
                     (B)  care for the ward's own physical health; and
                     (C)  manage the ward's financial affairs;
               (2)  provide a medical prognosis specifying the
  estimated severity of any incapacity;
               (3)  state how or in what manner the ward's ability to
  make or communicate responsible decisions concerning himself or
  herself is affected by the ward's physical or mental health;
               (4)  state whether any current medication affects the
  ward's demeanor or the ward's ability to participate fully in a
  court proceeding;
               (5)  describe the precise physical and mental
  conditions underlying a diagnosis of senility, if applicable; and
               (6)  include any other information required by the
  court.
         (c)  If the court determines it is necessary, the court shall 
  [may] appoint a physician of the ward's choice, or, if the ward's
  physician of choice is not available, the court may appoint the
  necessary physicians to examine the ward in the same manner and to
  the same extent as a ward is examined by a physician under Section
  1101.103 or 1101.104.
         SECTION 15.  Subchapter A, Chapter 22, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 22.0133 to read as follows:
         Sec. 22.0133.  JUDICIAL AND COURT INVESTIGATOR TRAINING
  RELATED TO GUARDIANSHIPS. The supreme court, in consultation with
  the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, shall ensure that at
  least one hour of training related to alternatives to guardianships
  and supports and services that are available to a proposed ward is
  provided to each judge with jurisdiction to hear a guardianship
  proceeding and each court investigator appointed under Section
  1054.156, Estates Code, at least once every two years.
         SECTION 16.  Sections 1202.054(b-1) and (d), Estates Code,
  are repealed.
         SECTION 17.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this
  section, the changes in law made by this Act apply to:
               (1)  a guardianship proceeding created before, on, or
  after the effective date of this Act; and
               (2)  an application for a guardianship pending on, or
  filed on or after, the effective date of this Act.  
         (b)  The changes in law made by this Act to Section 1202.152,
  Estates Code, apply only to a proceeding for the complete
  restoration of capacity or modification of a guardianship commenced
  on or after the effective date of this Act. A proceeding described
  by this section commenced before the effective date of this Act is
  governed by the law in effect on the date the proceeding was
  commenced, and the former law is continued in effect for that
  purpose.
         SECTION 18.  (a)  Not later than December 1, 2023, the
  supreme court shall adopt the rules necessary to provide the
  training required under Section 22.0133, Government Code, as added
  by this Act.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 22.0133, Government Code, as
  added by this Act, a judge who is in office on the effective date of
  this Act or a court investigator described by Section 22.0133,
  Government Code, as added by this Act, who is appointed on or before
  the effective date of this Act must complete the training required
  by Section 22.0133, Government Code, as added by this Act, not later
  than December 1, 2025.
         SECTION 19.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.