WashingtonSB 58372025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning guardianship, conservatorship, and other protective arrangements.

Sponsored By: Jamie Pedersen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

More workers qualify as decision supporters

Beginning June 11, 2026, some employers or employees of adults with disabilities can serve as their decision-making supporters. They must be immediate family, certified professional guardians and conservators, or employees of a certified guardian and conservator agency. The law expands eligibility within these groups, not to all employers or employees.

People under conservatorship get faster notice

Beginning June 11, 2026, conservators must send appointment orders and plain-language rights notices within 14 days, down from 30. The person under conservatorship and other entitled recipients must receive them. Rights notices use at least 16-point type and, when feasible, a language the person understands. They explain how to challenge the conservatorship, remove the conservator, choose a lawyer, and review or contest financial reports. Notice to a missing person is not required when the conservator was appointed under the law’s specified missing-person provision.

Court visitors can use simpler mail

Beginning June 11, 2026, court visitors can serve their appointment statements personally or by first-class mail. Certified mail with a return receipt is no longer required. Visitors must file and serve the statement within five days after receiving notice of appointment. Service goes to the person named in the case or their lawyer.

Court hearings can proceed without respondents

Beginning June 11, 2026, conservatorship and protective arrangement hearings can proceed without the person named in the petition. Courts need clear and convincing evidence that the person refused to attend after receiving a full explanation. That explanation must cover their right to attend and the possible consequences of staying away. The refusal no longer needs to be consistent and repeated.

Decision support agreements gain enforceable acceptance

Beginning June 11, 2026, a party asked to accept an acknowledged decision-support agreement can request a supporter’s sworn certification. The party can rely on that certification without further investigation. If requested, acceptance is due within five business days after receiving certification; the party cannot demand a different agreement form. Exceptions include missing certification, known termination, a good-faith belief that authority is invalid, or a good-faith report of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. Parties that unlawfully refuse can face court-ordered acceptance and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

More case participants see confidential reports

Beginning June 11, 2026, proposed conservators and their lawyers can review confidential visitor reports and professional evaluations for conservatorship cases. In protective arrangement cases, proposed guardians, conservators, special agents, and their lawyers can review these sealed materials. Access is for the court proceeding, not public release.

More legal help in guardianship cases

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington expands appointed lawyers in guardianship, conservatorship, and protective arrangement cases. Courts must appoint a lawyer for an unrepresented person who objects, requests counsel, or otherwise needs legal protection. When the person objects or requests counsel, court visitors must seek appointment within five days after meeting them. Public funds cover counsel when the person cannot afford it, payment causes substantial hardship, or funds are practically inaccessible. In conservatorship cases, courts may require repayment when the person can afford counsel but cannot access their funds.

New guardian deadlines and appointment expirations

Beginning June 11, 2026, adult guardianship orders set reports every one, two, or three years. Reports are due within 90 days after the relevant appointment anniversary. Courts must review them and issue orders within 120 days after that anniversary. Adult guardianship and conservatorship orders must state that original appointment papers expire 180 days after the appointment anniversary. Conservatorship orders no longer need to state a deadline for court review of the conservator’s plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jamie Pedersen
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Claire Wilson
Democratic • Senate
Jeff Holy
Republican • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 120 • No: 25

House vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 73 • No: 23 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 2/11/2026