Bill > H261

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for supported decision-making agreements, which are voluntary arrangements that help adults with disabilities make life decisions with assistance from trusted supporters while maintaining their personal autonomy. The bill requires the executive office of health and human services to create a training program on supported decision-making, mandates that school districts inform students with disabilities about this alternative to guardianship starting at age 16, and defines detailed guidelines for how supported decision-making agreements can be created and implemented. Key provisions include specifying who can be a supporter, outlining the supporters' responsibilities (which include respecting the decision-maker's preferences and not making decisions for them), establishing protection mechanisms against potential abuse, and creating a process for terminating agreements. The bill also establishes a special legislative commission to study potential online registries for tracking these agreements and provides a transition period for existing agreements, with all new agreements needing to conform to the new requirements by July 31, 2027. The legislation aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that allows them to retain more control over their personal decisions while receiving appropriate support.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H261