INVESTIGATION; ELDER ABUSE H.B. 5813 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5813 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Jim Runestad
House Committee: Families, Children, and Seniors
Senate Committee: Families, Seniors and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend Chapter 4 (Arrest) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to require a peace officer to investigate for financial neglect, abuse, or harm after responding to an incident involving alleged physical abuse of a vulnerable adult or elder adult.
"Elder adult" would mean an adult who is 65 years of age or older.
"Vulnerable adult would mean that term as defined in Section 145m of the Michigan Penal Code: one or more of the following:
-- An individual age 18 or over who, because of age, developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability requires supervision or personal care or lacks the personal and social skills required to live independently.
-- A person who is placed in an adult foster care family home or an adult foster care small group home.
-- A vulnerable person not less than 18 years of age who is suspected of being or believed to be abused, neglected, or exploited.
Proposed MCL 764.15h Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on local and State law enforcement. Should a law enforcement officer investigate financial neglect, abuse, or harm after responding to an incident involving alleged physical abuse of a vulnerable adult or elder adult, it is unknown what the length, complications (including possibly the need for a court order to obtain financial records), and cost would be for such an investigation, and whether or not other cause would be required to begin such an investigation.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.