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Bill

HB 2609

Enacting the supported decision-making agreements act to provide a statutory framework for allowing an adult to receive decision-making assistance from one or more other adults, requirements for decision-making agreements and duties related thereto.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill creates legal framework for adults to designate trusted helpers for decision-making, offering autonomy-preserving alternative to full guardianship.

Died in Senate Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2609

Legislative bill overview

HB 2609 creates a legal framework for "supported decision-making agreements" in Kansas, allowing adults to formally designate one or more trusted individuals to help them make decisions without requiring full guardianship or conservatorship. The bill establishes statutory requirements for how these agreements function, what duties the decision-makers must fulfill, and protections for all parties involved.

Why is this important

This addresses a significant gap in Kansas law for adults with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, or cognitive impairments who need decision-making assistance but don't require the complete loss of autonomy that guardianship entails. It provides a less restrictive alternative that respects individual autonomy while ensuring accountability and oversight, potentially reducing the need for costly and burdensome guardianship proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Disagreement over which types of decisions can be delegated (medical, financial, legal) and whether the statute adequately protects vulnerable adults from exploitation by their designated helpers
  • Enforcement and accountability: Concerns about how the state will monitor supported decision-making agreements and what recourse exists if helpers act against the adult's interests without formal guardianship oversight
  • Implementation details: Questions about required training, certification, or qualifications for decision-makers, and whether the framework creates sufficient safeguards or is too permissive in allowing informal arrangements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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