Michigan Senate passes bills enhancing protections for vulnerable adults

By Legal Newsline

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has expressed approval for the Michigan Senate's recent passage of Senate Bills 922-925. This legislative package, supported by both the Attorney General and the Department’s Elder Abuse Task Force, aims to enhance protections for vulnerable adults. The bills focus on increasing penalties for abuse and financial exploitation while promoting prevention programs.

“This legislative package is a critical step toward protecting the rights and well-being of our State’s vulnerable adults,” stated Nessel. She emphasized that the legislation addresses longstanding issues impacting elders and their families, aiming to restore dignity to those in need. Nessel commended the Senate for passing this legislation and reiterated her commitment to seeing these reforms reach the Governor’s desk.

The proposed measures include allowing individuals aged 60 or older, who are vulnerable adults or have developmental disabilities, to petition for personal protection orders. They also propose including embezzlement of a vulnerable adult as a predicate offense for racketeering, extending legal protections beyond a victim's death, and enabling counties or regions to form multidisciplinary teams focused on preventing and addressing abuse.

The Elder Abuse Task Force in Michigan was established in 2019 and comprises over 55 organizations from various sectors working together against elder abuse. It involves more than 100 individuals divided into committees tasked with achieving several initiatives, such as requiring certification for professional guardians.

Significant achievements of the Task Force include adopting a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form used statewide by law enforcement, implementing related training, enacting the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (FEPA) in 2021 mandating reporting by financial institutions on suspected fraud, revising Power of Attorney statutes, and making Securities Broker/Dealers mandatory reporters of suspected financial exploitation.

Earlier this year, the Department supported House Bills 4909-4912 aimed at reforming guardianship statutes in Michigan. It also backs Senate Bill 656 which seeks to limit conservators' investment options with estate property.

More than 100,000 older adults in Michigan suffer from elder abuse involving neglect and exploitation. Residents seeking resources can call specific hotlines provided by state authorities.

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Michigan Senate passes bills enhancing protections for vulnerable adults