The Montana Legislature's House Human Services Committee convened on March 1, 2025, to discuss House Bill 765, aimed at reforming the state's guardianship system. Representative Brian Close, who introduced the bill, emphasized the need for improvements in managing guardianships, particularly for vulnerable individuals who can no longer care for themselves.

Close highlighted the outdated nature of the current guardianship system, which has not significantly evolved since the 19th century. He pointed out the risks of financial and physical abuse within the system, citing a case in Gallatin County where a former district court clerk misappropriated $400,000 after starting a guardianship business. This incident underscored the lack of oversight and monitoring of guardians, which Close argued is a systemic flaw.

The bill seeks to reestablish the WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders) committee, which was previously active but defunded in 2017. The committee's goal is to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and implement best practices for guardianship. Close noted that while the bill does not include immediate funding, it allows for future funding requests once the committee is operational.

Support for House Bill 765 was voiced by Tim Summers, the state director for AARP Montana, who praised the bill for promoting communication among guardianship stakeholders and advocating for less restrictive alternatives to full guardianships. Summers suggested expanding the committee to include representatives from law enforcement and financial institutions to enhance its effectiveness.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for reform in Montana's guardianship system, aiming to protect the rights and well-being of those under guardianship while ensuring accountability among guardians. The next steps will involve further deliberations on the bill and potential funding considerations as the WINGS committee is reestablished.