Probate: guardians and conservators; provision for supported decision-making agreements; create. Amends sec. 5303 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5303).
Key claim: SB1008 would amend Michigan’s Estates and Protected Individuals Code (MCL 700.5303) to create provisions for supported decision-making agreements in guardianship and conservatorship matters.
Abstract
(SB1008 · 103rd Legislature) Probate: guardians and conservators; provision for supported decision-making agreements; create. Amends sec. 5303 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5303). Sponsor: Sen. Stephanie Chang (D) + 4 co-sponsors In committee: S Housing And Human Services Latest action (2026-05-21): Referred To Committee On Housing And Human Services
Why this matters
Supported decision-making agreements are a nationally emerging alternative to guardianship that let adults with disabilities formally designate supporters without transferring legal capacity, potentially preserving benefits eligibility and self-direction for individuals who might otherwise lose rights through a conservatorship. SB 1008’s placement in MCL 700.5303 embeds this option directly in the appointment provisions being reworked by the broader professional guardian licensure and least-restrictive-means package. If enacted, it could shift who ends up under formal guardianship in Michigan’s safety-net and behavioral-health systems.