H 4852 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults

This bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 29, 2025 Last action Aug 20, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Aug 20, 2026
Committee
Discharged to the committee on House Rules with the amendment previously recommended by the committee on Health Care Financing pending
lower
Aug 10, 2026
Committee
Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently with the amendment pending
lower
Aug 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting therefor a bill with the same title, see H5644
lower
Dec 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Dec 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
0 primary · 36 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.