HB 4676 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Mental health: guardians; appointing certain guardians after considering least restrictive means; require. Amends sec. 602 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1602).

HB 4676 amends Michigan's mental health guardianship law to require courts and guardians to prioritize the "least restrictive means" when appointing guardians for individuals with mental health conditions. This directly affects people needing court-appointed guardianship due to mental health challenges, such as those with severe depression, schizophrenia, or developmental disabilities. The key provision mandates that guardians and courts must first consider less restrictive options - like supported living arrangements or limited guardianship - before imposing full guardianship. This change aims to preserve individual autonomy and minimize unnecessary restrictions on personal decision-making.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 25, 2025 Last action Aug 13, 2025
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What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill Substitute (H-1) · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends Michigan's mental health code to strengthen guardianship protections for individuals with developmental disabilities. The changes require courts to prioritize the least restrictive alternatives before appointing guardians, clarify the definition of 'supported decision making,' and update references to related legal provisions.
Scope change
The bill applies to all guardianship cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan courts.
REQUIREMENT

Removed redundant 'shall must' language that appeared multiple times in the original text.

Replaced references to 'limited guardian or conservator' with 'partial guardian' to align with current legal terminology.

Updated references to temporary emergency guardians to cite the correct section number (607) and clarified that temporary guardians fall under this chapter.

Added 'or supportive services or arrangements by individuals or public or private services or agencies' as an alternative to supported decision making.

DEFINITION

Added a clear definition of 'supported decision making' as a process where individuals work with friends, family, and professionals to make their own decisions.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Aug 13, 2025
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Aug 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation with substitute (H-1)
lower
Jun 25, 2025
Committee
referred to Committee on Families and Veterans
lower
Jun 25, 2025
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Sharon MacDonell
lower
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors

Sponsors