Two bills that would recognize Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship in Florida law are currently making their way through the Florida legislature.
- HB 73 (the House bill) - Supported Decision-Making Authority (Representatives Tant & Koster)
- SB 446 (the Senate bill) - Supported Decision-Making Authority (Senator Simon)
Both bills will be heard by the Florida legislature starting this week, which is the first time that supported decision-making has been on the floor of either chamber since legislation was first introduced in the 2021 legislative session. This is a huge accomplishment!
Now is the time to contact your elected representatives and tell them to support and pass HB 73 and SB 446! Take a moment to tell them the importance of supported decision-making as a less-restrictive alternative to guardianship and a way of preserving autonomy and self-determination.
You can contact your representatives through our easy-to-use form.
If the bills are approved by the legislature, they will be sent for final review and approval to the Governor's office. If the Governor gives his approval, the bills will become law on July 1st.
Congratulations, thank you, and credit to the self-advocates who made this possible. We are excited that Floridians with disabilities who use supported decision-making will now have legitimacy, and so others can benefit from it.
