Montana's House Human Services Committee convened on March 1, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at reforming the state's guardianship system. Representative Brian Close introduced House Bill 765, which seeks to reestablish the Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS). This initiative aims to address significant flaws in the current guardianship framework, which has not seen substantial updates since the 19th century.

Close highlighted the vulnerabilities of individuals under guardianship, often the most defenseless members of society. He pointed out alarming instances of abuse within the system, including a case in Gallatin County where a former district court clerk misappropriated $400,000 after starting a guardianship business. The bill proposes the formation of local stakeholder groups to develop best practices and improve oversight, emphasizing the need for better training and monitoring of guardians.

Support for House Bill 765 came from various stakeholders, including Tim Summers from AARP Montana, who underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among courts and guardianship advocates to promote less restrictive alternatives and enhance communication. Other proponents echoed the need for reform, suggesting the inclusion of law enforcement and financial institutions in the WINGS group to strengthen its effectiveness.

The committee also discussed House Bill 796, which aims to clarify the authority of professional licensing boards to access healthcare information under administrative subpoenas. This bill is designed to align Montana law with federal HIPAA regulations, ensuring that licensing boards can effectively protect public safety by reviewing healthcare providers' compliance with standards of care.

Both pieces of legislation reflect a concerted effort by Montana lawmakers to address systemic issues in guardianship and healthcare oversight, with the potential for significant positive impacts on vulnerable populations across the state. The committee's discussions signal a proactive approach to reform, with further steps anticipated as these bills progress through the legislative process.