Introduced

Passed Senate

Passed House

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · February 27, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)

Introduced February 27, 2026

Senate

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

SB282

AN ACT relating to guardianship proceedings.

Amend various sections of KRS 387.500 to 387.770 to change the term "ward" to "protected person"; allow the respondent the right to retain private counsel; set out the respondent's right to an attorney who does not act as a guardian ad litem; increase maximum allowable hourly rate for court-appointed attorneys; create new sections of KRS 387.500 to 387.770 to allow the court to address the needs of marital parties after the appointment of a guardian or conservator; allow the court to appoint a guardian ad litem for the respondent in certain circumstances; amend KRS 216B.303 to conform.

Aged Persons and Aging Attorneys Courts, District Guardians

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This bill updates Kentucky's guardianship laws in several ways, including replacing the term "ward" with "protected person," strengthening legal representation rights for people facing guardianship proceedings, and raising the maximum pay rate for court-appointed attorneys. It also gives courts new tools to handle the needs of married couples when one spouse is placed under a guardianship or conservatorship. Who it may affect: people subject to guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, their spouses, court-appointed attorneys, and older Kentuckians who may be more likely to be involved in such proceedings.

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