The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Crider’s SB 192 on communication and visitation with a protected person. This bill provides that, unless specifically authorized by a court order, a guardian may not restrict a protected person’s right to communication, visitation, or interaction with other individuals. It also provides that, if a protected person is unable to express consent to communication, visitation, or interaction with another individual, then the consent of the protected person is presumed based on the protected person’s prior relationship history with the individual. The bill requires a guardian to communicate certain information to a protected person’s close relatives and other designated individuals. Additionally, a court may not deny an individual the right to communicate, visit, or interact with a protected person unless certain conditions are met.
The bill was amended to add that the Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council must submit a report to the legislative council estimating appropriate staffing and training levels and identifying emergency placement circumstances for budget purposes. Representatives from the Indiana Family Social Services Administration, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in support of the bill. Indiana Association on Area Agencies on Aging testified in support of the amendment. The amended bill passed 8-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/bills/senate/192