Resolve, To Establish A Group To Study The Laws Governing The Guardianship Of Adults And Ongoing Parental Rights Of Parents Of Disabled Adults

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bridgeo and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes a study group to review adult guardianship laws and parents' rights of disabled adults, reports findings to guide future legislation; bill died in 132nd Legislature.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)

#domesticrelations #guardianship #intellectualordevelopmentaldisa

Overview

LD 1173 is a Maine Resolve titled: “Resolve, To Establish A Group To Study The Laws Governing The Guardianship Of Adults And Ongoing Parental Rights Of Parents Of Disabled Adults.” The measure would create a group tasked with studying how guardianship laws for adults intersect with the ongoing parental rights of parents of disabled adults. It is a nonbinding resolve, intended to guide future legislative action if adopted.

Purpose and Intent

Establish a dedicated group to study and evaluate existing guardianship statutes and related provisions governing the rights of parents of adults with disabilities.

Generate findings and recommendations that could inform future legislative changes to the guardianship framework and parental rights in Maine.

Key Provisions (Summary)

Creates a study group focused on:

Laws governing adult guardianship.
Ongoing parental rights of parents of disabled adults.

The bill’s text (as a Resolve) does not itself enact substantive policy changes but directs study, review, and reporting that could lead to recommended reforms.

Note: The exact makeup of the group (members, chair, duration) and the timeline for reporting are not detailed in the provided information. The core concept is the establishment of a study body to analyze and report on these issues.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

Adults who are subjects of guardianship.

Parents of adults with disabilities (and their families).

Guardians and guardian ad litem professionals.

The Maine judiciary and relevant state agencies involved in adult guardianship matters.

Advocates for individuals with disabilities and related civil rights groups.

Procedural History and Status

Introduced: March 20, 2025.

Committee: Referred to the Judiciary Committee (March 20, 2025).

Committee action: Work session held March 31, 2025; voted ONTP (Ought Not To Pass) the same day.

Reported: April 7, 2025 (Staff/Committee report indicates ONTP).

Final disposition: Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3, placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on April 8, 2025, effectively ending the bill’s progression for the 132nd Legislature.

Additional note: The bill was carried over to a future session at one point (March 21, 2025) but was subsequently deemed dead.

Potential Impact if Enacted

Establishment of a formal study group could yield a comprehensive review of guardianship laws and parental rights for disabled adults, with a published report outlining gaps and recommended reforms.

Could lay groundwork for future legislation to modify guardianship processes, guardianship oversight, or parental rights protections depending on study findings.

As introduced, the measure would not immediately change law; any impact would depend on subsequent legislative action based on the study’s conclusions.

Overall, LD 1173 aimed to facilitate a structured examination of guardianship and parental rights issues in Maine, but it did not advance to enact substantive changes and was ultimately filed as dead.

Bill