In the beginning of 2025, bills to establish a legal framework for Supported Decision-Making in Massachusetts were reintroduced in the Massachusetts legislature.

Links to the current SDM bills are available below.

This MASDM Fact Sheet describes more about what the bills would do.

  • Supported decision-making (SDM) offers a way for adults with disabilities and elders to maintain their rights, dignity, and independence by choosing one or more trusted supporters to provide them with assistance in making decisions about their lives.
  • CPR has been advancing SDM across Massachusetts and seen the ways this model can transform lives.
  • Too many people are unnecessarily placed under restrictive guardianships when they could make their own decisions with individualized assistance from people they trust. This bill would pave the way for many more individuals to use SDM in Massachusetts.

The bill would establish a legal framework for supported decision-making in the state.

The bill would allow people with disabilities and older adults to enter into SDM agreements with the people they trust who can help them make decisions for themselves. The bill also contains safeguards against abuse. If passed, the bill would require that courts consider SDM before establishing guardianship. Finally, the bill would ensure all youth turning 18 who are at risk of being placed under guardianship are made aware of the SDM option at Individualized Educational Plan meetings.

Supported decision-making does not replace guardianship. It is an additional and less restrictive option.

Center for Public Representation commends Senator Lovely and Representatives Livingstone and Finn for introducing this important legislation that will create a much-needed path toward independence for many residents of the Commonwealth.

Group posing on stairs inside state house
Supporters of Supported Decision-Making legislation pose in Statehouse.

Center for Public Representation has been pleased to be a part of a broad coalition of advocacy groups called the Massachusetts Advocates for Supported Decision-Making (MASDM) to champion this important legislation.

  • The Senate and House Bills have been referred to the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
  • A hearing was held on the Senate Bill on September 18, 2023.  MASDM members testified in strong support of the bills.  You can learn more about some of their testimony here.
  • SDM legislation was also introduced in three previous legislative sessions and nearly passed.  Help us get this bill across the finish line this session!

Members of the Massachusetts Advocates for Supported Decision-Making Coalition include:

Man in green shirt reading from paper into microphone at table in statehouse.
Johnathan Jenkins, SDM Pilot Participant, testifying in support of SDM bill at 2019 Statehouse hearing.

 

Check out the videos and testimony in support of the 2019 legislation here, the 2021 legislation here, and the 2023 legislation here.  They include powerful stories and endorsements from people who use SDM, their supporters, and other members of the MASDM coalition.