Relating to guardianship matters.

HB 1954 amends Texas Estates Code provisions related to guardianship proceedings. It clarifies that courts may appoint a "guardian ad litem" (a court-appointed representative) to advocate for the best interests of incapacitated persons or proposed wards during guardianship cases, and provides these representatives immunity from civil liability for recommendations made in that role. The bill also prohibits individuals with adverse interests (e.g., potential beneficiaries) from filing guardianship applications, contesting appointments, or challenging guardianship modifications. Additionally, it requires guardians of estates to preserve a ward’s existing estate plan (including probate and nonprobate arrangements) when consistent with the ward’s best interests, considering factors like estate value, maintenance needs, tax minimization, and eligibility for government benefits. These changes directly affect incapacitated persons, courts, and guardians in Texas guardianship proceedings.