A bill that would offer some protections for those under a court-appointed guardianship invited impassioned support from community members with first-hand experience dealing with guardians and conservators.
HB22-1271 was read before the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee earlier this week. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kim Ransom , would require that a guardian notify a protected person’s close family member within seven days if the person changed residence, spent more than two days away from their primary residence, was admitted to a medical facility, or died.
A court can place a person under guardianship if they are deemed mentally unfit to handle their affairs. If a family member is unable to step in, the probate court will appoint someone to serve as a guardian and/or conservator. Those guardians and conservators would then have full control over the protected person’s finances, medical care, and legal decisions.
Ransom said these issues need to be fixed and that her bill, despite not addressing any of the financial issues, could help start that process as it’s the first bill in the past few years to tackle guardianship issues. “Sometimes, you are compelled to do something that is right,” he said. “Imagine if your mother was sent to the emergency room and no one told you for days or weeks. That is wrong. That is wrong on a human level.”
The Colorado Bar Association, which represents attorneys and judges, opposes the bill, saying it is unnecessary and that some existing laws already cover the notification issue.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lawmakers Unveil Bill To Fight Fentanyl; Law Enforcement Officials 'Disappointed'Colorado lawmakers unveiled a bill they believe will be key in fighting the fentanyl crisis in the community.
Read more »
After tearful debate, Colorado lawmakers give unlikely approval to GOP measure on patient visitationA divided, tearful Colorado Senate surprised itself Friday afternoon when it narrowly passed a Republican bill that seeks to require hospitals to allow more patients to have visitors during health emergencies.
Read more »
Reproductive Health Equity Act Heads To Governor's Desk After Passing Senate, Longest House Filibuster In Colorado HistoryReproductive Health Equity Act Heads To Governor’s Desk After Passing Senate, Longest House Filibuster In Colorado History
Read more »
SMART Copyright Act Aims to Standardize Anti-Piracy MeasuresThe new bill would authorize the Librarian of Congress to designate technologies for the protection of copyrighted works online.
Read more »
California Lawmakers Propose Extending Pandemic Eviction Protections Through June As Expiration LoomsHundreds of thousands of California renters facing eviction next week could get another three months of protection under a bill top legislative leaders endorsed on Thursday.
Read more »