Committee hears bills to require courts to consider supported decision making before guardianship

The Michigan House Families and Veterans Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4676 and 4677, a package that would require courts to consider less‑restrictive alternatives, including a formal supported decision making (SDM) arrangement, before appointing a guardian for a person with a developmental disability.

Representative McDonald, chair of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus, told the committee that "no two people with disabilities are the same. The disability community is not a monolith." She said the bills would amend Michigan statutes governing court‑appointed guardianships so judges must weigh alternatives such as durable powers of attorney, assistive technology, and the newly codified approach known as supported decision making. "Our bills do not end court appointed guardianships for people with developmental disabilities," McDonald said, adding that guardianship should be used only "when absolutely necessary for an individual's safety."

Representative Wozniak, a sponsor, said HB 4677…