LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed 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.
“This reform is the result of hearing dozens of heartbreaking stories from families who were forced to endure a loved one being removed from their home — without a hearing or notice,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “Compounding the ordeal, the loved one’s home is often sold for well below market value, and families have no voice or recourse.
“With the governor’s signature, these new protections will ensure 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 measure, Senate Bill 586, ensures that a protected individual’s living arrangements are truly in their best interest. Under the new law, a guardian will 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.
The governor also signed SB 585, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, to 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. “Now 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 was a bipartisan effort to protect those who cannot protect themselves by adding more meaningful accountability and oversight to our guardianship system, and I want to thank Senator Irwin for his teamwork on this critical issue.”
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