LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Ruth Johnson’s legislation to reform the state’s guardianship laws and help protect vulnerable individuals and their homes from guardians who might not be acting in their best interest is headed to the governor to be signed.
“It is heartbreaking to hear from dozens of families who have watched helplessly as a loved one was removed from their home without a hearing, without notice and without a voice,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “The loved one’s home is often sold for well below market value, and families have no recourse. This reform will ensure that the best interests of our most vulnerable residents — not the convenience of their guardians — will drive important decisions like moving someone out of their home and selling their house.”
Johnson’s bill, Senate Bill 586, would ensure that a protected individual’s living arrangements are truly in their best interest. Under the bill, a guardian would not be allowed to change an incapacitated person’s residence without court approval after demonstrating the move is necessary and appropriate for the individual’s needs.
SB 585, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, would require a licensed appraiser to appraise the value of a protected person’s home before any sale of that property.
“Vulnerable adults placed into guardianship deserve to have their rights protected,” said Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. “Once signed into law, my bill requires a professional appraisal before the sale of real estate owned by an adult placed in guardianship. This measure provides accountability and clarity, protecting the assets of people placed under guardianship.”
Johnson said, “This bipartisan effort is about protecting those who cannot protect themselves by adding more meaningful accountability and oversight to our guardianship system.”
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