Bill > H0428

This bill establishes new mandatory training requirements for guardians of adults with disabilities, amending existing Vermont guardianship law. Specifically, when a probate court appoints a guardian for an adult with disabilities, the guardian must complete a training program jointly developed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court and the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living. The training must include a review of an approved guardianship handbook, cover the constitutional and statutory rights of the person under guardianship (including rights under the U.S. and Vermont Constitutions), and provide definitions and applications of civil rights for adults with disabilities. The proposed guardian must attend this training before the guardianship begins and then every three years while the guardianship remains in effect. The bill also makes some minor language updates to existing guardianship provisions, such as replacing "assure" with "ensure" and using gender-neutral language. The training requirements are designed to ensure guardians fully understand their responsibilities and the rights of the individuals they are supporting. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving courts and agencies time to develop the required training program.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.428