SB 561: Appointment of public guardians.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law requires a public guardian to apply for appointment as a guardian or conservator of the person, the estate, or the person and estate, if there is an imminent threat to a person’s health or safety or the person’s estate, there is no one else who is qualified and willing to act, as specified, the appointment would be in the best interests of the person, and the person is domiciled in the county. Existing law similarly requires a court to order a public guardian of a county to apply for appointment as a guardian or conservator if it appears that there is no one else who is qualified and willing to act, that the appointment as guardian or conservator appears to be in the best interests of the person, and the person is domiciled in the county. Existing law requires the public guardian to begin an investigation within 2 business days of receiving a referral for conservatorship or guardianship.

This bill would require the public guardian to also acknowledge receipt of the referral within 2 business days and conclude the investigation within a reasonable period of time. For referrals for conservatorship, the bill would require the investigation to include a determination of whether or not a temporary or general conservatorship is warranted and would require the public guardian to inform the referring party of the investigation status upon request. By imposing new duties on the public guardian, a county officer, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 649, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 649, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. September 8, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
6. September 8, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
7. August 30, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 30, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
9. August 30, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
10. August 30, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
11. August 26, 2026From committee: That the Assembly amendments be concurred in. (Ayes 9. Noes 0. Page 5925.)
12. August 26, 2026Re-referred to Com. on RLS. pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(d).