State Rep. Jaime Greene today voted to strengthen oversight, licensing, training, and accountability for professional guardians and conservators in Michigan.  

“When the court gives one person authority over another person’s life, that power must come with accountability,” said Greene (R-Richmond). “A guardian or conservator can make decisions about where someone lives, what medical care they receive, how their money is handled, and whether they are able to maintain basic personal independence. That is too much power to hand over without clear standards, proper vetting, and real oversight.” 

The bill package, made up of House Bills 4727, 4728, 4729, and 4959, creates a licensing structure for professional guardians and conservators, requires background checks, establishes education and continuing training requirements, requires professional liability insurance, and creates a public list of licensed professional guardians and conservators. It also makes clear that courts should look first to family members, trusted nominees, patient advocates, or other suitable individuals before appointing a professional guardian or conservator.  

“This is not about attacking families who step up to care for loved ones,” Greene said. “This is about making sure that people who serve as professional guardians and conservators meet a basic standard of trust, training, and transparency.”  

Across Michigan, vulnerable adults have been financially exploited by people entrusted with their care. In Mason County, a Scottville woman was convicted on multiple counts of embezzlement from vulnerable adults and caregiver commingling of funds after taking advantage of individuals who depended on her. Cases like this demonstrate why Michigan must be serious about protecting people who may not be able to protect themselves. 

The Michigan Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force has also identified long standing concerns in the guardianship system, including inconsistent practices across the state, limited safeguards, unnecessary or overly restrictive guardianships, and lack of accountability when individuals lose control over major life decisions. Disability Rights Michigan has reported receiving thousands of calls from people with disabilities seeking help, including individuals reporting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation by guardians. 

“Some of the people impacted by guardianship are seniors with dementia,” Greene said. “Some are adults with developmental disabilities. Some are people recovering from illness or injury. Some are simply in the middle. They are not fully independent, but they are not helpless either. Those are exactly the people who can be overlooked by the system. These bills say their dignity still matters. Their property still matters. Their voices still matter. Their safety still matters.”

 Greene said she will continue working to ensure the legislation protects vulnerable people while also making sure courts, especially in rural communities, have access to qualified guardians when no family member or trusted individual is available.  

“We need to raise the standard without creating a shortage of good people willing to serve,” Greene said. “The goal is simple: remove bad actors, protect vulnerable people, and make sure those who truly need help can still receive it.”