Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has publicly endorsed the recent Senate approval of a series of bills aimed at reinforcing the protection of vulnerable adults within the state, a move that has earned praise from advocates for the elderly. The legislative package passed, which includes Senate Bills 922-925, seeks to strengthen the penalties for those found guilty of abusing or exploiting elderly and vulnerable individuals, and also pushes for the improvement of preventative measures, according to a statement obtained by the Michigan Attorney General's office.
Further explaining the importance and need for such legislation, Attorney General Nessel expressed that "This legislative package is a critical step toward protecting the rights and well-being of our State’s vulnerable adults," a sentiment that resonates with the wider community, especially considering the enhanced protections the bills aim to provide, including the ability for individuals aged 60 and above or those with a developmental disability to request personal protection orders and the extension of penalties for offenses that persist post the victim's death, as per Michigan Attorney General's office.
Under the advocacy of Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, established in 2019, the legislative package is part of a broader initiative that boasts accomplishments such as the adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act signed into law in 2021, and a substantial rewrite of the Power of Attorney statute; achievements that illustrate the state's commitment to combating elder abuse. The Task Force, comprising over 100 individuals from public, private, and nonprofit sectors, is split into seven committees vigorously working towards the implementation of its nine initiatives.
Earlier this year, the Department also testified in support of House Bills 4909-4912, focusing on reforming Michigan’s guardianship statutes, and they are advocating for Senate Bill 656, which would impose restrictions on the types of investments conservators can make with estate property, these legislative actions represent a concerted effort to address the complex challenges surrounding the exploitation and mistreatment of the elderly. In Michigan alone, over 100,000 older adults fall victim to elder abuse; concerned citizens or those seeking resources on this issue are encouraged to contact the elder abuse hotline at 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or report suspected elder abuse at 855-444-3911.
