The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5485 establishes a framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to retain their decision-making authority while receiving assistance from designated supporters. The bill defines key terms such as "adult," "decision-maker," "supported decision-making," and "supporter," and outlines the requirements for a supported decision-making agreement, which must be in writing, dated, voluntarily entered into, and signed by the decision-maker, supporters, and witnesses. The bill emphasizes that supporters can assist decision-makers in understanding information, accessing resources, and communicating their decisions, while also prohibiting supporters from exerting undue influence or making decisions on behalf of the decision-maker.

Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a Supported Decision-Making Education and Assistance program by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, aimed at providing information and resources to older adults and individuals with disabilities regarding supported decision-making agreements. The program will facilitate the formation and termination of these agreements and offer support to decision-makers who feel their supporters are acting outside the agreed scope. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and includes provisions for reporting on the program's status and the number of individuals assisted by January 1, 2027.