Senators Klobuchar and Cornyn Introduce "The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act"

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) this week introduced bipartisan legislation to help protect seniors from neglect and financial exploitation.

The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act would help crack down on elder abuse by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators. The bill is similar to legislation the senators introduced last year.

“Seniors deserve to live their lives safe from abuse and mistreatment,” Klobuchar said. “While most court-appointed guardians are undoubtedly professional, caring and law-abiding, there is mounting evidence that some guardians use their position of power for their own gain. This legislation would help increase accountability and oversight of guardians and protect those who are most vulnerable.”

“Caring for our seniors is an important role that many choose to take on, and I am grateful for all the support that the majority of guardians provide for these members of our communities,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will provide valuable safeguards for all seniors by adding accountability to the court process of appointing guardians.”

The senators’ legislation would provide support to states to implement programs to increase oversight of guardians and conservators.

Specifically, the bill makes state courts eligible for an already existing program designed to protect seniors. Under the program, state courts would be able to apply for funding to assess the handling of proceedings relating to guardians and conservators, and then make the necessary improvements to their practices. For example, the courts could conduct background checks on potential guardians and conservators, or implement an electronic filing system in order to better monitor and audit onservatorships and guardianships.

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Klobuchar, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Lgislation to Protect Seniors From Neglect and Abuse by Guardians