Senate Sponsors: DILLARD. Short description: PROBATE-GUARDIANSHIP Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that conviction of a felony is a disqualification for acting as a guardian if the felony conviction has been in the last 5 years. Provides that the court shall conduct a best-interest hearing to determine whether it is in the minor's best interest to appoint as a guardian a person who had a felony conviction more than 5 years before the guardianship proceeding. Establishes conditions in which the court may appoint a guardian for an unmarried minor. Provides that if the parents were not married at the time of the minor's birth, or if there has never been a judicial finding of paternity, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine paternity. Provides that if the minor is the subject of a proceeding in Juvenile Court, the guardianship proceeding shall be instituted in the court of the county in which the Juvenile Court proceeding is pending. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony may be appointed guardian of a minor if the person has not been convicted of a felony within 10 years preceding the guardenship proceeding and who has never been convicted of a felony involving harm or threat of harm to a child or a felony sexual offense. Provides that if the minor is the subject of a proceeding in juvenile court, the proceeding for guardianship may be instituted in the county where the minor resides or in the court of the county where the juvenile court proceeding is pending. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 2. Deletes everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as amended with the following changes: deletes the change to the Section relating to the qualifications of a guardian of a minor. Permits a relative of the minor to be appointed guardian who has been convicted of a felony or incarcerated for a felony conviction more than 10 years prior to the commencement of the guardianship proceeding and who has not been convicted of a felony involving harm or threat to a child or a felony sexual offense. Provides that in such cases the court shall conduct a best-interest hearing to determine if it is in the best interest of the minor to appoint the felon as guardian. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: JAN-07-2003 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 2 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status