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GeorgiaSB 982025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Guardian and Ward; county conservators; provide

Sponsored By: Bill Cowsert (Republican), Frank Ginn (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary JuvenileChildren and FamiliesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Clearer roles for county ward representatives

Beginning July 1, 2025, county administrators hold county guardian and conservator roles and serve individual cases through court appointments. Probate courts can appoint additional county administrators with the same powers and duties. Courts issue separate guardian and conservator appointment papers; county conservators have the rights, duties, and liabilities of other conservators. County conservators receive appointment priority where specified and can serve as temporary substitutes. Public guardians, county guardians, and county conservators serving the same person must cooperate on care and reporting. Courts can revoke appointment papers or order changes for the person's good.

County conservators handle estates without wills

Beginning July 1, 2025, this rule covers minors and adults under conservatorship who die without a will. It applies when a county administrator, county guardian, or county conservator was appointed as their conservator. The conservator must distribute the estate as an estate administrator does. The bond's financial backers, called sureties, are responsible for proper administration and distribution.

County conservators face new bond rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, county conservators must provide an extra $5,000 bond, payable to the court, beyond other required bonds. Courts must find the security sufficient; they can demand more security and remove conservators who fail to provide it. People harmed by misconduct can bring a claim against the bond. County guardians already serving as conservators automatically become county conservators on July 1, 2025. That title change alone requires no extra bond unless the court orders one for good cause.

Annual fees allowed for county representatives

Beginning July 1, 2025, county administrators and county guardians or conservators serving through that office can receive annual service fees. The county governing authority must consent. The county, probate court, and official must agree on the amount. These fees add compensation costs beyond commissions already allowed by law. The law sets no fee amount and does not say who pays.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Bill Cowsert

    Republican • Senate

  • Frank Ginn

    Republican • Senate

  • Kay Kirkpatrick

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian Strickland

    Republican • Senate

  • Ben Watson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Mitchell Scoggins

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 212 • No: 0

House vote • 3/21/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 162 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 50 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/14/2025Senate

  3. Act 283

    5/14/2025

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. House Third Readers

    3/21/2025House

  6. House Passed/Adopted

    3/21/2025House

  7. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/13/2025House

  8. House Second Readers

    2/24/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    2/21/2025House

  10. Senate Third Read

    2/20/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    2/20/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read Second Time

    2/19/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/18/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/6/2025Senate

  15. Senate Hopper

    2/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 98/AP* (v7)

    PDF

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