Illinois House approves HB3811 as Rep. Blair-Sherlock votes in favor of adult guardianship reform

During the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-46th) cast a Yes vote for HB3811, which seeks to update adult guardianship procedures in Illinois, the Illinois House reported. The House approved the measure unanimously, 117-0.

The official text of the bill names the legislation: "PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL GUARDIANS."

The summary below offers a breakdown of the actual bill language and may paraphrase portions for clarification regarding its content.

Essentially, the legislation amends the Hospital Licensing Act, Nursing Home Care Act, and the Probate Act of 1975 to change guardianship procedures for adults with disabilities in Illinois. It requires that if a physician determines an adult patient cannot consent to discharge or placement and is without family or friends to help, the hospital or facility must notify both the Office of State Guardian and the patient's county public guardian. The bill creates the role of private professional guardians, mandates they satisfy certain standards—including certification as a National Master Guardian if overseeing 15 or more individuals—and establishes conditions for appointment, background checks, and grounds for removal for violations. The intention is to enhance oversight and accountability in adult guardianship cases.

The legislative history for HB3811 records the action 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'

Blair-Sherlock earned an AA from College of DuPage in 1985, a BS from Northern Illinois University in 1987, and a JD from John Marshall Law School in 1993.

A Democrat, Blair-Sherlock began representing Illinois' 46th House District in 2023 after succeeding previous representative Deborah Conroy.

Bills in Illinois move through a multi-step legislative process beginning in either the House or Senate. Measures undergo committee review, floor debate, and votes in both chambers before being sent to the governor for a signature or veto. The General Assembly, which meets biennially, considers thousands of bills each session, with only a portion becoming law.