The bill seeks to enhance funding for public services by increasing fees related to the Workers' Compensation Administration, telecommunications services, and emergency response systems. It amends the fee structure under the Workers' Compensation Act with scheduled incremental increases from 2025 to 2033. Additionally, the bill raises the 911 emergency surcharge and the telecommunications relay service surcharge, with part of the latter being redirected to create a new 988 Lifeline Fund. It also allows the State Budget Division to approve expenditures from the Telecommunications Access Fund for services benefiting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Moreover, the legislation introduces the Supported Decision-Making Act, which establishes requirements for supported decision-making agreements and creates a program within the Office of Guardianship to assist individuals with disabilities in making their own decisions. This act promotes autonomy by allowing adults to enter into agreements with designated supporters while outlining the responsibilities of these supporters and the process for reporting abuse or neglect. The provisions of the Supported Decision-Making Act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
FC substitute: 52-5-19, 63-9F-11, 63-9F-12
Final Version: 52-5-19, 62-8-8, 62-13-2, 63-7-20, 63-9D-5, 63-9F-11, 63-9F-12