EXEMPTION FROM GUARDIANSHIP BONDS, CERTAIN COSTS, FEES, AND EXPENSES.

(a) The department or a political subdivision of this state or state agency with which the department contracts under Section 161.103 is not required to post a bond or pay any cost or fee associated with a bond otherwise required by the Estates Code in guardianship matters.

(b) The department is not required to pay any cost or fee otherwise imposed for court proceedings or other services, including:

(1) a filing fee or fee for issuance of service of process imposed by Section 51.319, Government Code;

(2) a judge's fee imposed by Section 25.0008 or 25.0029, Government Code;

(3) a cost or security fee imposed by Section 53.051, 53.052, 1053.051, or 1053.052, Estates Code; or

(4) a fee imposed by a county officer under Section 118.011 or 118.052, Local Government Code.

(c) The department may not be required to pay fees associated with the appointment of a guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem.

(d) A political subdivision of this state or state agency with which the department contracts under Section 161.103 is not required to pay any cost or fee otherwise required by the Estates Code.

(e) If the department is appointed guardian, the department is not liable for funding services provided to the department's ward, including long-term care or burial expenses.