Bill > HB99

This bill establishes a Guardianship Bill of Rights for adults in Alabama who have a guardian, meaning a court-appointed person responsible for managing their affairs. The bill clarifies that an "adult" is someone who has reached the age of majority. It outlines several key rights for these adults, including the right to access justice, which encompasses maintaining rights not granted to their guardian, having a lawyer who supports their desired outcomes, being present and participating in court hearings, expressing concerns about their guardianship, requesting court reviews of their guardianship, having their capacity evaluated if there are questions about their ability to exercise rights, receiving necessary support to communicate with the court, and having their rights explained in their preferred language and communication method. Furthermore, adults with guardians retain core human rights such as being treated with dignity and respect, freedom from abuse and discrimination, the ability to remain independent, practice their religious beliefs, maintain personal privacy, and live in safe environments. They also retain decision-making rights, including the right to a competent guardian who respects their goals and preferences, to participate in decisions affecting their care and life to the extent they are able and desire, to receive services in the least restrictive conditions, to have their guardian prudently manage their resources, to participate in property management decisions, and to keep matters confidential unless necessary for obtaining services, preventing harm, or modifying their guardianship. These rights are in addition to any other rights they may have under existing law and the bill will become effective on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search