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Lawmakers highlight abuse in guardian system amid bill re-introduction

Michigan lawmakers are re-introducing bi-partisan legislation to provide more checks on the state’s court-appointed guardian and conservatorship system.

Package sponsors say the bills would tighten requirements placed on guardians ad litem.

They would also further involve medical professionals in the process of determining whether an adult is considered “incapacitated.”

Supporters worry the law as it stands doesn’t do enough to prevent people from scamming the system and taking control of someone’s life.

Republican Senator Ruth Johnson says the issue is systemic and resistant to change without further regulation.

“If they can stop it, they will. There’s a lot of money in this for people who just don’t seem to care about others. We have a system that is broken.” said Johnson.

Similar bills stalled in the state Legislature last session.