HB 5739 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Probate: guardians and conservators; powers and duties; modify. Amends secs. 5410 & 5423 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5410 & 700.5423). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4169'25

This bill modifies Michigan laws governing the powers and duties of conservators, who manage the financial affairs of individuals unable to do so themselves. It primarily affects courts, conservators, and the families of protected individuals by clarifying when conservators must post a financial bond and expanding their authority to manage estate assets. Under the new provisions, courts must require a bond unless specific exceptions apply, such as when the estate lacks cash or the conservator has already been granted trust powers. The bill also updates the list of actions conservators can take without court approval, including managing businesses, investing assets, entering leases, and employing professional advisors, while maintaining oversight requirements to protect the interests of the protected individual.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Governor
Introduced Mar 18, 2026 Last action Jun 10, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill As Passed by the House · 4 edits · Jun 3, 2026
MODERATE
This bill clarifies when a conservator must post a financial bond, allowing exemptions for estates with only restricted cash or where bonding causes financial hardship. It also expands the list of powers a conservator can exercise without court approval, adding abilities to insure property, borrow money, and manage environmental hazards. Finally, it introduces a new requirement for conservators to petition the court within 14 days if they receive property valued at $25,000 or more that was not previously disclosed.
Scope change
The bill applies to all conservatorships under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, specifically modifying the rules for bonding requirements and the scope of administrative powers granted to conservators.
REQUIREMENT

Bonding requirements were modified to allow exemptions if the estate contains only restricted cash, if bonding would cause financial hardship, or if the court explicitly states on the record that a bond is unnecessary.

A new requirement mandates that conservators must petition the court within 14 days of receiving undisclosed property valued at $25,000 or more.

SCOPE

New powers were added allowing conservators to insure estate property, borrow money to be repaid from the estate, and address environmental concerns or hazards affecting property.

Additional administrative powers were granted, including the ability to employ agents, vote securities, and execute instruments to facilitate the conservator's duties.

Floor votes · House Jun 3, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Jun 10, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
upper
Jun 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
upper
Jun 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #171 Yeas 106 Nays 0 Excused 0 Not Voting 4
lower
May 21, 2026
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
May 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation without amendment
lower
Apr 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
recommendation concurred in
lower
Apr 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation for referral to Committee on Rules
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
referred to Committee on Families and Veterans
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Jay DeBoyer
lower
1 primary · 26 co-sponsors

Sponsors