Adults may use supporters while keeping control of decisions

Businesses, agencies, and other listed organizations must recognize an adult's right to help from a named supporter under an agreement. The right applies when adults interact with businesses, government agencies, organizations, medical providers, schools, or other entities to obtain goods or services. The adult must enter the agreement voluntarily and understand its effect. It must be written, dated, signed by the adult, at least one supporter, and two identified adult witnesses, and describe the decisions the supporter may help with. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

A supporter may help an adult understand choices, access relevant information, arrange appointments, monitor services, communicate wishes, and advocate for those wishes. An adult may enter an agreement with one or more chosen supporters and remains the decision-maker. The adult or a supporter may end the agreement at any time; ending it for one supporter does not end the agreement for the others. A supporter cannot make decisions for the adult or unduly influence them. Without the adult's written consent, a supporter cannot obtain information unrelated to the agreed help or use information for another purpose. The supporter must follow privacy laws. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services shall establish an education and assistance program, and the commissioner shall report on its status and the number of people helped. The program concerns supported decision-making agreements and assistance for decision-makers. The department must establish the program within available appropriations. It is to inform older adults, adults with disabilities, families, and others; help people make, sign, and end agreements; and offer resources to decision-makers who believe a supporter has acted outside an agreement. The section takes effect October 1, 2026. The commissioner must report by January 1, 2027.