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Senate Backs Bill To Regulate Guardians

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Flickr Creative Commons
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The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

With supporters saying the measure would help protect seniors, the Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill (SB 232) that would lead to regulation of professional guardians.

Sponsor Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said such guardians can take over seniors' medical and financial decisions but have been unregulated. She said that can lead to professional guardians taking advantage of seniors.

"This is a nationwide problem,'' Detert said.

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday also unanimously approved the House version of the bill (HB 403), sponsored by Rep. Larry Ahern, R-Seminole. The bill is now ready to go to the House floor.