In 2024, the Minnesota State Legislature passed legislation creating the Legislative Task Force on Guardianship to improve the state’s guardianship system and explore less-restrictive alternatives like supported decision-making. The task force aims to improve the guardianship system while promoting self-determination for people with disabilities. It is also designed to support individuals who serve as guardians.
The task force is composed of a diverse group of members, including:
- Professional guardians
- Individuals with lived experience
- Experts in the guardianship system
- State legislators
- Judges
- County and tribal nation partners
- Attorneys
- Advocates for supported decision-making
- Family members of people with guardians
- Representatives from self-advocacy organizations
This broad representation ensures that a wide range of perspectives and expertise contribute to meaningful reforms.
For years, MCD and other organizations, such as the Board on Aging, have received inquiries and concerns about the current guardianship system. Minnesota has one of the highest rates of individuals under guardianship, yet efforts to reform the system have been limited. The goal of this initiative is to improve the system for all Minnesotans and reduce the number of individuals placed under guardianship who may not need it.
MCD is collaborating with Wilder Research to examine this critical issue. Wilder Research has been conducting interviews with individuals connected to guardianship to assess the current state of the system, understand people’s experiences, and gather recommendations for best practices. The findings from this research will be shared during the task force’s monthly meetings. There may be opportunities for public input to ensure that all voices are heard in this process.
With all 25 task force members now selected, the first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Subsequent meetings will take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 am until May 2025. Starting in May, meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
Learn more about the task force, view meeting details, and find out how to join upcoming meetings by visiting the Legislative Task Force on Guardianship.