Today, the House Committee on Families, Children and Seniors advanced Senate Bills 922-925 to the full House for consideration, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. This legislative package, supported by the Attorney General and the Department’s Elder Abuse Task Force, aims to enhance protections for vulnerable adults by increasing penalties for abuse and financial exploitation while also promoting prevention programs.
“While my office has prosecuted far too many cases of vulnerable adult exploitation and abuse, current state law is tragically inadequate to protecting and preventing Michigan’s vulnerable from unimaginable harm,” Nessel stated. “These bills would offer crucial protections and restore dignity to those who need it most. I encourage the House of Representatives to join their colleagues in the Senate in passing this crucial legislation, prioritizing the rights and safety of our most vulnerable.”
The legislative package, which passed the Michigan Senate earlier this year, includes several measures. It allows individuals who are 60 years or older, are vulnerable adults, or have developmental disabilities to petition for an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order (PPO). It also includes embezzlement of a vulnerable adult as a predicate offense for racketeering, extending the statute of limitations from six years to ten years. Additionally, it extends legal protections beyond a vulnerable adult’s death and permits each county or region to establish a multidisciplinary team focused on preventing and addressing abuse.
Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force was launched in 2019 with over 55 organizations from various sectors working together against elder abuse. The Task Force comprises more than 100 individuals divided into seven committees dedicated to achieving nine initiatives. These include requiring certification and training for professional guardians.
Achievements of the Task Force include adopting a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form for law enforcement investigations statewide and implementing related trainings. The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (FEPA), signed into law in 2021, mandates reporting suspected fraud or exploitation by financial institutions. Other accomplishments involve rewriting the Power of Attorney statute and making Securities Broker/Dealers and Financial Advisors mandatory reporters of suspected financial exploitation.
The Department recently testified in support of House Bills 4909-4912 aimed at reforming Michigan’s guardianship statutes. It also supports Senate Bill 656 which restricts conservators' investment types with estate property.
Over 100,000 older adults in Michigan suffer from elder abuse including neglect and exploitation. Residents seeking resources can call 800-24-ABUSE (22873) or report suspected elder abuse at 855-444-3911.