The Supported Decision-Making Agreements Act establishes a legal framework that enables adults to create agreements for decision-making assistance from designated supporters. It defines essential terms such as "adult," "principal," "supporter," and "decision-making assistance," and outlines the requirements for these agreements, emphasizing voluntary participation and comprehension of their implications. The act delineates the responsibilities of supporters, ensuring they act in good faith without exerting undue influence over the principal's choices. Importantly, it clarifies that entering into a supported decision-making agreement does not indicate a lack of capacity on the part of the principal, allowing them to maintain independence in their decision-making.

Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 21-5417 to classify violations of the Supported Decision-Making Agreements Act as mistreatment of dependent adults or elder persons, thereby enhancing protections for vulnerable individuals against potential abuse. The definition of "dependent adult" is revised to include individuals aged 18 and older who cannot protect their own interests, with the previous language stating "shall include" being replaced by "includes, but is not limited to." The definition of "elder person" is also established as someone aged 60 or older. The bill allows for prosecution of offenders under specific articles of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5417, 21-6418