Protecting the Aging Population: two Key Michigan Bills Every Caregiver Should Know
In recognizing the immense demands placed on family caretakers, recent bills introduced in the Michigan legislature aim to strengthen protections across the state for aging adults. As the conversation around Elder Law and Estate Planning evolves, it is crucial for families to understand how these proposed changes could impact their loved ones and their planning strategy. In this post, the Probate and Estate Planning attorneys of Thompson Legal will outline three key bills currently under consideration in the 2025-2026 legislative session, and how these legislative changes can help improve the life of you and your loved ones.
Please note that this post is not exhaustive, and every situation is unique. In the event that you have legal questions about working with a Elder Law Attorney, contact Thompson Legal to speak with a Michigan attorney today.
1. Establishing a State-Wide Silver Alert System: SB 456 and HB 4362
The most immediate and high-profile legislative effort involves establishing a public, rapid-response alert system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults, often called a "Silver Alert." This initiative is being advanced through companion legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 456 and House Bill (HB) 4362. These bills seek to amend the Mozelle Senior or Vulnerable Adult Medical Alert Act and utilize existing emergency alert technology to notify the public when a qualifying individual is reported missing, expanding alerts beyond the law enforcement community.
Both bills require the Michigan State Police (MSP) to establish and maintain a plan to rapidly disseminate information through the wireless emergency medical alert system under Federal law. Advocates stress the time-critical nature of these alerts, citing research that indicates around 60% of older adults with dementia will wander at some point, and getting information out to the public within six hours significantly increases the chances of a safe recovery.
Key Qualifications for a Missing Senior or Vulnerable Adult Alert (Under SB 456):
Age/Incapacity: An individual at least 60 years old who is believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance.
Vulnerability: An individual age 18 or over who requires supervision or lacks personal and social skills to live independently due to developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability.
Immediate Danger: A person who is missing and suffering from a mental or physical condition that subjects them or others to personal and immediate danger.
While HB 4362 has already passed the House with near-unanimous, bipartisan support, both versions are currently advancing through the Senate committee process, demonstrating widespread support for this critical Elder Law protection.
2. Recognizing the Caregiver’s Burden: Jury Duty Exemptions (SB 330)
Estate planning often involves preparing for the need for care, and this legislation directly supports the dedicated individuals who take on that responsibility. Senate Bill (SB) 330, sponsored by Senator Mallory McMorrow, aims to create essential new exemptions from jury service to alleviate the heavy burden carried by certain family caregivers. This bill responds to arguments that familial caregivers, who often cannot leave the person in their care, should not face the added logistical and emotional stress of jury obligations.
SB 330 amends MCL 600.1307a to expand exemptions from jury service to include two primary categories of caregivers, provided they submit a request and verification from a healthcare provider:
Familial Caretakers of Hospice Patients: This includes family members, close family friends, or other important adults providing full-time care, nurturing, or protection. Critically, this exemption also covers a period of bereavement (one year after the death of a hospice patient).
Parental Caregivers of a Child with a Serious Health Condition: This applies to someone caring for a child (including biological, adoptive, foster, or stepchild) with a serious health condition that requires inpatient care or continuous treatment.
This legislation would provide relief to individuals who are already carrying a heavy burden, preventing the emotional strain of being repeatedly called for jury duty while caring for—or grieving the loss of—a loved one. SB 330 passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support and has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, signaling a potential victory for Michigan’s dedicated caregivers.
Conclusion: Planning for Future Protections with Thompson Legal
These three bills—SB 456, HB 4362, and SB 330—demonstrate Michigan’s commitment to improving the safety and support systems for its older and vulnerable populations, alongside the people who care for them. While these are legislative efforts still in progress, they highlight the increasing importance of proactive Probate and Estate Planning to ensure your family is prepared for every outcome, from financial security to medical crises. Thompson Legal remains dedicated to keeping Michigan families informed about critical legislative developments in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Administration.
To discuss how these pending laws may affect your family's estate planning documents, or to learn more about appointing a caregiver and executing essential directives, please Contact Thompson Legal to schedule a consultation with a Michigan attorney today.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. In the event you would like to speak with a Probate or Estate Planning Attorney, please Contact Thompson Legal at (734) 743-1646 to schedule a consultation.
