Guardianship Bill of Rights Act of 2026

This bill would create a 30-member council within the Department of Health and Human Services to recommend standards on the rights of older adults (age 60 and up) and people with disabilities who are in or being considered for guardianships, conservatorships, or other decision-making arrangements. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would then set standards on how these arrangements are created, reviewed at least yearly, changed, and ended, including access to a lawyer and options to restore rights. The standards would treat supported decision-making as the default option instead of guardianship. States seeking certain federal disability funds would have to assure they are carrying out the standards. The bill would also fund grants to protection and advocacy groups to oversee guardianships, authorizing $50 million per year starting in fiscal year 2027.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tammy Duckworth Democrat sponsor
• 2 cosponsors