State Budget Stripped

A key legislative committee has stripped the state budget of $17.4 million earmarked for enhancing oversight of court-appointed conservators.

The decision, which was made in Sacramento, means that the state's probate courts will probably have to find money in their own budgets to implement laws passed in 2006 that require more court supervision of people under conservatorships.

The reforms were signed into law after a Times series exposed theft, abuse and negligence by some professional conservators appointed to look after senior citizens.

The laws require courts to increase the frequency of investigators' visits to people under conservatorship; to make their investigations more thorough; and to conduct more intensive checks of conservators' financial reports that show how they are managing clients' money.

But the courts have never received money to pay for the new requirements. Last year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed funding intended to help the courts meet the additional costs.

Source:
Budget Conference Committee votes to cut $17.4 million for oversight of conservators

See also:
Postponing Protection for Seniors

Court Work Overload