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HB 334

Guardianships and Supported Decision-Making Agreements Amendments

2025 General Session Introduced by Nelson Abbott and 1 co-sponsor

Utah expands guardianship alternatives by strengthening supported decision-making agreements, allowing people with disabilities to retain more autonomy while receiving trusted advisor assistance.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 334

Legislative bill overview

HB 334 amends Utah's guardianship and supported decision-making laws to provide alternatives or modifications to traditional full guardianship arrangements. The bill appears to expand options for individuals with disabilities or incapacity to maintain greater autonomy through supported decision-making agreements, which allow people to retain decision-making authority while receiving assistance from trusted advisors.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses a significant gap in disability rights: traditional guardianships remove nearly all decision-making power from individuals, even those capable of making many decisions independently. Expanding supported decision-making options can enable people with intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairments to maintain dignity, independence, and legal rights while still receiving necessary support from family or advocates.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of protections: Questions about which individuals qualify for supported decision-making versus needing full guardianship, and whether the bill adequately safeguards vulnerable people from exploitation or neglect
  • Implementation and training: Concerns about whether courts, guardians, supporters, and social workers have sufficient guidance and training to properly implement these new arrangements
  • Liability and oversight: Debate over who bears responsibility if a supported decision-maker acts against the individual's interests, and what oversight mechanisms exist to monitor these informal arrangements

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

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