MI HB5047

Establishes the Office of State Guardian as an autonomous entity within the Department of Health and Human Services with a 14-member board appointed by the governor, including representatives from the attorney general, legislature, courts, advocacy agencies, and professional guardians/conservators.

Requires professional guardians and conservators to be licensed by the executive director starting October 1, 2025, with applicants needing National Center for Guardianship Certification, background checks, and no history of fraud, misappropriation, abuse, or exploitation.

Authorizes the executive director to contract with professional guardians to provide guardianship services for indigent wards at significant risk of harm, homelessness, or loss of public services, with a 36-ward caseload limit per licensed professional.

Empowers the executive director to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose discipline including license revocation, suspension (minimum 30 days), reprimand, probation, and restitution for violations of licensing standards or breach of fiduciary duties.

Creates the Office of State Guardian Fund within the state treasury to support operations, including reimbursement to the attorney general for investigation and enforcement expenses; effective January 1, 2025, contingent on passage of HB 4909, 4910, 4911, and 4912.