Legislation sponsored by State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) that adds a new layer about transparency to the caseloads of guardians of adults with disabilities sailed through the Illinois House today with strong bipartisan support on a 111-1-0 vote.
HB 4867 would require a potential guardian of an adult with disabilities to disclose to the court the number of adults with disabilities over which the guardian is currently appointed. The new provision would also apply to those who wish to be appointed as guardian of the estate of an adult with disabilities. If the court determines that an individual is appointed guardian over more than five adults with disabilities, the court would be required to notify the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission within one week. The Guardianship and Advocacy Commission would then maintain a list of all notifications it receives for reference by other agencies, units of government, and the public.
“We need to ensure that guardians are not taking on so many cases that he or she cannot properly and sufficiently serve his or her wards,” said Olsen, the Chief Sponsor of the bill. “It’s an important layer of transparency that provides for optimal service for a vulnerable part of our population.”
The need for the bill was brought to Olsen’s attention by the Illinois Department on Aging. It received a unanimous vote before the House Judiciary-Civil committee earlier this month.
“I’m pleased to have bipartisan support of this important measure,” Olsen said. “The legislation now moves to the Senate, where I hope to receive similar support.”
