The bill amends the "Uniform Power of Attorney Act" by updating definitions and requirements related to powers of attorney in Michigan. Key definitions are clarified, including terms such as "agent," "incapacity," and "notary public." Notably, the bill introduces a new definition for "actual knowledge" and specifies that a power of attorney must be signed by the principal or another individual directed by the principal in their conscious presence. Additionally, it outlines the conditions under which a power of attorney is considered durable, including the necessity for acknowledgment by a notary public or the presence of two witnesses.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the use of two-way real-time audiovisual technology for signing and witnessing powers of attorney, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include ensuring direct interaction between the signatory and witnesses, recording the interaction, and transmitting a legible copy of the signed document to the witnesses within a specified timeframe. The bill aims to modernize the process of executing powers of attorney, making it more accessible while maintaining legal integrity.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 556.202, 556.205