Local families have been demanding changes to Michigan’s laws after the 7 Investigators’ years-long investigation into the state’s guardianship system. After a vote today, several bills that would reform some of the guardianship rules are as close to becoming law as they’ve ever been.
The bills that moved forward Thursday do not have everything in them that Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Elder Abuse Task Force originally wanted, but experts say the bills are a major step forward in protecting Michigan’s vulnerable adults.
RELATED STORY: Legislation offers protection in MI guardianship system
Legislation offers protection in MI guardianship system
Since 2017, 7 Investigator Heather Catallo has raised the voices of Michigan families who say the state’s guardianship system has devastated them.
“This is not right. This is illegally keeping me. Might as well go to jail, at least I got more people to talk to,” said Gerald Harten, a 77-year-old Vietnam veteran from Macomb County. Harten alleges a court-appointed professional guardian has kept him from his loved ones for months, and says he feels like he’s been kidnapped.