The bill aims to enhance funding for public services by increasing specific fees and surcharges, including a gradual increase in Workers' Compensation Administration fees from $2.30 to $2.80 per employee by 2033. It also raises the 911 emergency surcharge and the telecommunications relay service surcharge, with part of the latter funding a new 988 Lifeline Fund. Additionally, the bill allows the State Budget Division to approve expenditures from the Telecommunications Access Fund for the administration of the Telecommunications Access Act. A new "telecommunications access fund" is established within the state treasury to support these initiatives, funded through various sources, including appropriations and surcharges.

Moreover, the legislation introduces the Supported Decision-Making Act, which sets forth requirements for supported decision-making agreements and the responsibilities of supporters. This act emphasizes the presumption of capacity for decision-makers and includes mechanisms for reporting suspected abuse or neglect. A Supported Decision-Making Program is created within the Office of Guardianship under the Developmental Disabilities Council to facilitate these agreements. The provisions of the Supported Decision-Making Act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the bill overall seeks to bolster public health, safety, and welfare through these funding mechanisms and support systems.

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