Bill > SB0161

This bill amends Utah law concerning guardianships, which are legal arrangements where a court appoints someone to make decisions for a person deemed incapacitated, meaning they are unable to manage their own affairs. Key changes include clarifying the rights of incapacitated individuals, particularly those whose guardianships are established on or after May 7, 2025, ensuring they have rights such as continued legal representation, the ability to express concerns to the court, and the right to participate in their care plans to the greatest extent possible, while also allowing courts to limit these rights under specific, compelling circumstances. The bill also refines the procedures for appointing guardians by requiring health care providers who assess an individual's capacity to use evidence-based tools and to file their reports with the court, and it clarifies that these provisions do not override federal health information privacy laws like HIPAA. Additionally, the bill specifies that the changes will take effect on May 6, 2026.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0161.html