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NebraskaLB985109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET

Change provisions relating to guardians and conservators

Sponsored By: Wendy DeBoer

Signed by Governor

Judiciary Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Court limits on conservators and moves

The court may limit a conservator’s powers at appointment or later and note those limits on the appointment papers. A conservator cannot move a protected person out of Nebraska without court permission.

Health care agents keep their power

A health care attorney‑in‑fact named in a health care power of attorney keeps their decision power. Guardianship rules do not change that authority.

20-case cap for guardians and conservators

A person cannot accept a new guardian or conservator appointment if they already serve as guardian or conservator for 20 people. The cap counts both roles toward the 20 and applies at the time of taking a new case.

Guardians: money handling and reports

If no conservator exists, a guardian must file a full inventory and oath within 30 days, mail copies to the ward (if locatable and age 14+) and interested persons, and file a certificate of mailing. If the guardian holds estate assets, they must file an updated inventory each year and give a copy to the bonding company if bonded. The guardian may seek support from those who owe it, receive assets, and spend them for the ward’s support and education, but cannot charge for room and board by the guardian or close family without court approval and notice to at least one next of kin if possible. A guardian must report on the ward’s condition and any estate at least yearly; the court takes comments for 30 days and may hold a hearing to change rights.

Rules for guardian care and decisions

Guardians have parent-like powers over a ward and are not automatically liable for the ward’s acts. They have custody, choose where the ward lives in Nebraska, and need court OK to move the ward out of state. They must pick the least restrictive placement and can seek a professional evaluation to support a more restrictive one. Guardians must provide care, maintenance, and education, protect personal items, and start protective proceedings for other property. They can consent to medical and psychiatric care and must honor the ward’s prior stated wishes when allowed; the ward may authorize release of financial, medical, and other confidential records under sections 20-161 to 20-166.

Working with a conservator: money and pay

When a conservator is appointed, a guardian must send any estate money beyond current support to the conservator and account for spending. The guardian can be paid reasonable amounts for services and room and board if the guardian and conservator agree, and may ask the conservator to pay third parties or institutions for the ward’s care.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Wendy DeBoer

    legislature

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 240 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/24/2026

Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0 • Other: 12

legislature vote • 4/24/2026

Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10

legislature vote • 4/9/2026

Final Reading

Yes: 49 • No: 0

legislature vote • 3/4/2026

Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10

legislature vote • 3/4/2026

Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0 • Other: 12

legislature vote • 3/4/2026

Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor on April 14, 2026

    4/17/2026legislature

  2. Dispensing of reading at large approved

    4/9/2026legislature

  3. Passed on Final Reading 49-0-0

    4/9/2026legislature

  4. President/Speaker signed

    4/9/2026legislature

  5. Presented to Governor on April 9, 2026

    4/9/2026legislature

  6. Placed on Final Reading

    3/17/2026legislature

  7. Enrollment and Review ER137 adopted

    3/12/2026legislature

  8. Kauth FA641 withdrawn

    3/12/2026legislature

  9. Advanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment

    3/12/2026legislature

  10. Placed on Select File with ER137

    3/10/2026legislature

  11. Enrollment and Review ER137 filed

    3/10/2026legislature

  12. DeBoer AM2424 adopted

    3/4/2026legislature

  13. Judiciary AM2117 adopted

    3/4/2026legislature

  14. Advanced to Enrollment and Review Initial

    3/4/2026legislature

  15. DeBoer AM2424 to AM2117 filed

    3/3/2026legislature

  16. Speaker priority bill

    2/20/2026legislature

  17. Placed on General File with AM2117

    2/19/2026legislature

  18. Judiciary AM2117 filed

    2/19/2026legislature

  19. Notice of hearing for January 29, 2026

    1/22/2026legislature

  20. Referred to Judiciary Committee

    1/14/2026legislature

  21. Kauth FA641 filed

    1/13/2026legislature

  22. Date of introduction

    1/12/2026legislature

Bill Text

  • Introduced

    4/17/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled / Slip Law

    PDF

  • Final / Enacted

    PDF

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