Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2609.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 12)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Mike Burgess, Director of Policy & Outreach, Disability Rights Center of Kansas testified that this bill would create protections for supporters acting in good faith, and also creates protections for any business who honors or does not honor a Supported Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA) in good faith. Also, it creates enhanced penalties for bad actors. And lastly, it will create additional recognition of an SDMA as a concept that complements the new Guardianship law and the Durable Power of Attorney Act. It helps educators, advocates, providers, and others to use this much needed concept to increase self-determination amongst Kansans with disabilities.  (Attachment 13)

Colin Olenick, Legislative Liaison for the Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas testified that this bill would allow him, personally, to make financial and medical decisions, as well as decisions concerning other affairs.  (Attachment 14)

Laura Gaffney, MD, testified that this bill allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have greater autonomy as well as the support they need to make informed decisions.  (Attachment 15)

Ricky Hernandez, Council Member for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, testified that this bill is important because it creates a clear, legal option for adults with disabilities to receive decision-making assistance while remaining in control of their own lives. It offers a less restrictive alternative to guardianship and reinforces the idea that adults with disabilities are capable of making decisions when given appropriate support. The bill centers dignity, independence, and self-determination, while also including safeguards.  (Attachment 16)

Amy Campbell, Kansas Mental Health Coalition testified that the Coalition believes that it is an important tool for Kansans who may face difficulties due to living with disabilities or mental illness. Supported Decision Making offers options to individuals seeking assistance with financial or health decisions without requiring them to give up their independence and ability to make their own life decisions. Updated guardian and conservatorship statutes recommend supported decision making options.   (Attachment 17)

Lori Barnes, Private Citizen testified in strong support of the bill because it allows people with disabilities to make their own decisions with support. It promotes individual autonomy and empowerment and helps them to live a meaningful, self-directed life.  (Attachment 18)

Stephanie Coleman, Private Citizen testified the story of her son, who never needed guardianship, though they were pushed into that alternative by the school.  Had this opportunity for Supported Decision Making been available it would have been much more appropriate for her son and their family.  (Attachment 19)

The Proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson drew attention to Proponent Written Only testimonies:

Skylar Schwindt, Private Citizen  (Attachment 20)

Tami Allen, Co-Executive Director/Parent, Families Together Incorporated  (Attachment 21)

Laura Robeson, Private Citizen  (Attachment 22)

Jason Crippen, Private Citizen  (Attachment 23)

Haely Ordoyne, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman  (Attachment 24)

Jamie Gideon, State Government Relations Director, Alzheimer's Association  (Attachment 25)

Megan Lynn, Associate State Director, Advocacy, American Association of Retired People, Kansas  (Attachment 26) 

Daniel Goodman, Executive Director, Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC)  (Attachment 27)

Craig Knutson, Executive Director, Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns  (Attachment 28)

Melissa Sabin, Private Citizen and volunteer with Little Lobbyists  (Attachment 29)

Erica Christie, Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL)  (Attachment 30)

Barb Conant & Sean Gatewood, Co-Administrators, KanCare Advocates Network  (Attachment 31)

Chris Chastain, Public Policy and Advocacy Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Kansas  (Attachment 32)

Lesa Childers, Private Citizen  (Attachment 33)

Sean Swindler, Private Citizen  (Attachment 34)

The Chairperson drew attention to the Neutral Written Only testimonies:

Joseph Molina, Kansas Bar Association  (Attachment 35)

Jessica Parks, Kansas Judicial Council  (Attachment 36)

Kelly VanZwoll, Senior Vice President-Government Relations, Kansas Bankers Association  (Attachment 37)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2609.