Luzerne Times

Legislation sponsored by Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Art Haywood (D-4) to safeguard the dignity of adults in need of guardianship has been signed into law by Gov. Shapiro. Senate Bill 506, now Act 61 of 2023, aims to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation within the guardianship system.

The new law addresses the increasing frequency of guardianship appointments and strengthens requirements, procedures, and accountability to reduce the potential for fraud. It also provides options other than full guardianship when circumstances warrant a lesser surrender of control.

Sens. Baker and Haywood have championed key provisions that include mandatory training and screening for professional guardianships, as well as an enhanced review process for current cases to ensure the utmost dignity for those under guardianship. They believe that this legislation will significantly contribute to preventing fraud, abuse, and exploitation within the guardianship system while increasing representation for vulnerable individuals.

Speaking about the importance of the legislation, Sen. Haywood shared a personal story, saying, "Act 61 of 2023 adds essential protection for vulnerable individuals from bad guardians, like those who stole from my neighbor, Mr. Frisby. The criminal exploitation of Mr. Frisby by his guardian forced him to sell a property he owned. Sadly, it was too late to help him when I found out about this."

Sen. Haywood has been fighting for individuals subject to legal guardianship since 2017. With the collaboration and support of Sen. Baker, this bipartisan legislation passed with unanimous consent out of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and was immediately signed into law by Gov. Shapiro.

This legislative milestone builds on the groundwork laid by the late Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, with Baker and Haywood introducing legislation to further the cause. Numerous organizations, including the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, Disability Rights PA, AARP, Community Legal Services, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Pennsylvania Elder Law Attorneys, offered input and assistance in advancing the measure.

The passage of Senate Bill 506 has been commended by Paul Stengle, Arc Alliance CEO, Certified National Guardian, and National Guardianship Association Board Member. Stengle said, "Sens. Baker and Haywood should be commended for the recent passage of Senate Bill 506, which brings Pennsylvania guardianship standards and requirements into the 21st century. It will help protect persons who are under guardianship from abusive neglect. We are looking forward to working with both legislators in the future."

The new law represents a significant stride in protecting vulnerable adults and ensuring the integrity of the guardianship system in Pennsylvania. With the measures in place, the state aims to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation while providing adequate support and assistance to those in need.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.senatorbaker.com/2023/12/21/sens-baker-and-haywoods-guardianship-legislation-signed-into-law/