A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 30.1-28-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to guardians of incapacitated persons.

HB 1262 amends North Dakota law governing guardianships for incapacitated adults, directly affecting court-appointed guardians and the individuals under their care. The bill requires courts to prioritize the ward’s self-reliance, mandate strict findings of incapacity (rejecting age or medical diagnosis alone), and demand consideration of existing powers of attorney before appointing a guardian. Key provisions include limiting guardians’ authority to only necessary powers, requiring detailed asset inventories within 90 days, and establishing mandatory 5-year reviews to determine if guardianship remains necessary. The law also protects specific rights like voting, changing marital status, and retaining a driver’s license, ensuring guardianship remains the least restrictive option.