S 155
An Act relative to authorizing supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would authorize supported decision-making agreements in Massachusetts, allowing adults with disabilities to choose trusted supporters to help with daily tasks and decision-making, while retaining their legal rights and autonomy. These agreements would provide assistance without appointing a guardian or conservator. The goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to maintain control over their lives and make their own choices.
Key provisions
- Creates a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements.
- Defines the roles and responsibilities of the individual and their support person.
- Specifies the types of decisions that can be supported.
- Establishes procedures for entering into and modifying agreements.
- Protects the rights and autonomy of the individual with a disability.
- Requires training for support persons.
- Provides for a system of oversight and accountability.
- Allows individuals to revoke their agreement at any time.
Who is affected
- Adults with disabilities
- Families of adults with disabilities
- Support persons
- Legal professionals
- Disability advocacy organizations
Notable changes
- Introduces a new approach to supporting adults with disabilities that focuses on empowerment and choice.
- Provides an alternative to guardianship or conservatorship.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Cosponsors
Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Bruce E. Tarr
James B. Eldridge
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Bill S.155 194th (Current)
An Act relative to authorizing supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 155) of Joan B. Lovely, Sean Garballey, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan B. Lovely Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.155
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 8/27/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in B-2 |
| 10/16/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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