Committee hears bills to add supported decision‑making as alternative to guardianship

The Michigan House Families and Veterans Committee on Wednesday heard testimony on House Bills 4676 and 4677, a package that would require courts to consider less‑restrictive alternatives to guardianship for people with developmental disabilities, including a statutory recognition of supported decision‑making.

Supporters told the committee the bills aim to preserve personal autonomy while allowing tailored supports. Representative McDonough, chair of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus, said the package would force courts to “consider the full spectrum of people with developmental disabilities and the full suite of options that can help them live their lives with dignity.”

The bills would add supported decision‑making (SDM) to the list of options judges may consider when deciding whether to limit an individual’s rights under the public health code. SDM allows a person to work with trusted advisors — family, friends or professionals — who help them understand choices; the advisors offer…