Following pop star Britney Spears' public fight for her freedom from her father, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill to reform conservatorships in the state.
The new law comes as Spears' father, Jamie Spears, has been removed from the conservatorship that has governed the singer's career, finances, and personal decisions for the past 13 years.
The California law aims to close loopholes in a system that lawmakers claim lacks transparency and accountability. Nonprofessional conservators in charge of estates worth more than a million dollars will be required to register as professionals and provide training and transparency, among other things. The law also establishes a civil penalty of up to $50,000 if a court determines that a conservator has not acted in the best interests of the client, as well as giving conservatees more control over their legal representation.
"This bill received unanimous support throughout the process because we know there are systemic failures in California when it comes to conservatorships," said California Assemblymember Evan Low, a Democrat who introduced the bill. "We've all seen Britney Spears' heartbreaking case play out in the media, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other cases where families are struggling. We must do everything we can to assist them and their loved ones in receiving the care and support they require."
On November 12, a hearing will be held to determine whether Spears' conservatorship should be completely terminated.
Britney Spears' attorney, Mathew Rosengart, said in court on Wednesday, "This suspension is exactly what Britney wanted; she does not want Jamie in her life."