Bill > S08654

This bill, known as the "New York State Good Guardianship Act," establishes a statewide initiative to support not-for-profit guardians. The act aims to address the current lack of adequate funding for guardianship services mandated by Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law, which requires a guardian to be appointed for individuals unable to manage their affairs. This shortage has led to difficulties for judges in finding suitable guardians, potentially harming vulnerable individuals and increasing costs for social services. The initiative will create a program within the office of the aging to serve as a guardian for eligible individuals when no family member, friend, or attorney can be found, operate a public helpline for guardianship guidance, build capacity for new programs within existing not-for-profit organizations, and collect data on guardianship cases. To participate, entities must be tax-exempt or recognized as not-for-profit and demonstrate experience in guardianship. A lead not-for-profit agency will be selected to administer the initiative, which will be funded through a newly established "Statewide Initiative of Not-for-Profit Guardians Fund." This fund will receive appropriations and other sources of money to support the program, which is intended to improve guardianship services, eliminate unscrupulous for-profit actors, and potentially lead to significant savings in Medicaid and social welfare costs.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8654