The Supported Decision-Making Agreements Act creates a legal framework that allows adults to receive assistance from supporters in managing their personal affairs while ensuring that the adults maintain their autonomy. The act defines key terms such as "adult," "principal," "supporter," and "supported decision-making agreement," and establishes that these agreements must be entered into voluntarily and without coercion. Supporters are prohibited from exerting undue influence or making decisions on behalf of the principal, thereby safeguarding the principal's decision-making rights. Additionally, the act amends existing laws to include violations of the Supported Decision-Making Agreements Act as a form of mistreatment of dependent adults and elder persons, enhancing protections against potential abuse.

The bill also revises the definition of "dependent adult" to include individuals aged 18 and older who are unable to protect their own interests, explicitly listing various categories such as residents of adult care homes and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The previous language stating "Such term shall include" has been deleted for clarity. Furthermore, the bill defines "elder person" as someone aged 60 or older and establishes that offenders violating these provisions may face prosecution for related offenses under specific articles of the Kansas Statutes Annotated. The bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5417, 21-6418
As Amended by House Committee: 21-5417, 21-6418