Hawaii House Bill HCR99

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24

Caption

Adopting The Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, And Other Protective Arrangements Act.

Impact

The adoption of HCR99 is expected to align Hawaii's guardianship laws more closely with contemporary best practices as established by the Uniform Law Commission. This significant update will promote a more supportive environment for individuals in need of guardianship services, as it incorporates provisions for providing meaningful notice of rights and greater involvement in decision-making processes. Additionally, enhancements in the judicial protocol delineated by the act will help ensure appropriate protections while reducing unnecessary restrictions on personal freedoms.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 99 (HCR99) seeks to adopt the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA) in Hawaii. This act represents a significant revision of the previous guardianship laws aimed at enhancing the protection and rights of individuals requiring guardianship or conservatorship. The UGCOPAA lays out a framework that emphasizes person-centered care, ensuring that the needs and desires of individuals under guardianship are prioritized throughout the process.

Contention

One notable aspect of HCR99 is its push against obsolete and stigmatizing terminology. The act aims to improve the systems currently in place for guardianship and conservatorship, though it may encounter pushback from stakeholders concerned about the practicality of its implementation. Critics may argue that the transition to these new procedures could be cumbersome or that some provisions might place additional burdens on guardians or courts without enhancing the outcomes for the individuals served. Nonetheless, advocates believe that the act will significantly improve the guardianship framework in Hawaii.