Bill
SB 925
Allows local counties to form confidential, multi-agency teams to prevent, detect, coordinate responses to abuse and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Status & procedural history (selected)
- Introduced in the Michigan Senate: June 13, 2024 (Sponsors: Sen. Jeff Irwin et al.).
- Passed by the Senate: October 16, 2024 (roll call 38–0).
- Referred to House committee (Families, Children and Seniors); reported favorably in committee.
- As introduced, the bill is permissive — counties or regions may (not must) create a team.
Purpose
- Establishes a statutory framework allowing a county or multi‑county region to create a confidential “vulnerable adult multidisciplinary team” (team) to prevent, detect, coordinate responses to, and raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Key provisions
- Local creation: Each county or a contiguous multi‑county region may create a team; creation is voluntary and local.
- Composition: Teams should include public, private, and “represented” professionals. Examples enumerated in the bill include law enforcement, adult protective services (DHHS), the attorney general, county prosecutors, long‑term care ombudsman representatives, health department or DHHS representatives, Area Agencies on Aging, licensed health professionals experienced in elder abuse prevention, Michigan Legal Services, public administrators, community mental health representatives, and persons with forensic accounting/finance expertise. A “team” is defined as two or more qualified individuals.
- Core goals/duties: Prevent, investigate, or assist prosecution of abuse and financial exploitation; coordinate medical, social, and legal services for vulnerable adults and families; develop detection/prevention programs; promote community awareness and information dissemination about abuse, neglect, exploitation, and treatment options.
- Confidentiality and sworn duty: Teams are bound by confidentiality and must execute a sworn statement attesting to that obligation. Information or records produced/obtained by the team may be used only for proper team functions.
- Limited authorized disclosures: Team records may be disclosed only (and only to the extent not prohibited by other law) to specific entities such as adult protective services (DHHS), the long‑term care ombudsman, the attorney general, the county prosecutor that created the team, law enforcement, and other team members.
- Public‑records and open‑meetings exemptions: Information and records produced/obtained by a team are excluded from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A team is not a “public body” for purposes of the Open Meetings Act, and its meetings are not subject to that Act.
Definitions
- “Vulnerable adult” — broadly aligns with Michigan definitions: adults (18+) who, because of age, developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability, require supervision or personal care or cannot live independently; the bill cross‑references state statutes for the term.
- “Region” — a contiguous area containing more than one county.
Who is affected
- Local governments and prosecuting authorities: can establish and operate teams; may incur local costs if they choose to staff or fund teams.
- Vulnerable adults and their families: could receive coordinated responses, prevention, investigation, and education.
- Participating agencies and professionals: will be able to share team information within narrow statutory limits but must abide by confidentiality and disclosure rules.
Fiscal impact
- The bill itself imposes no direct state fiscal impact. Creation and operation of teams would be at local discretion and could create local costs (e.g., staff time, meeting coordination). Analyses referenced a sample figure for local hiring — e.g., an average social worker salary ~ $55,000/year plus benefits — to illustrate potential local budgetary considerations.
Practical effect
- Provides a statutory vehicle for local cross‑disciplinary collaboration focused on preventing and responding to elder and vulnerable‑adult abuse and exploitation, while protecting team communications from public disclosure and open‑meeting requirements to facilitate candid information sharing and coordinated action.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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