HB 336 Summary: Supported Decision-Making Agreements

• Establishes Chapter 56 of Alaska Statutes (AS 13.56), authorizing adults to voluntarily enter into written supported decision-making agreements with trusted supporters to receive assistance with decision-making and information gathering.

• Requires principals to enter agreements voluntarily without coercion, understand the agreement's nature and effect, and notify any existing guardian or conservator; supporters must be adults but cannot be employers, paid service providers (except immediate family), or persons with protective orders against them.

• Supporters may assist with accessing information, explaining options, communicating decisions, and advocating for the principal's wishes in areas including health, finances, living arrangements, employment, and support services, but cannot make decisions for the principal or sign documents on their behalf.

• Valid agreements must be dated, in writing, signed by principal and supporters, witnessed by two adults or notarized, and include separate declarations from each supporter acknowledging their duties and the principal's voluntary participation.

• Prohibits using execution of a supported decision-making agreement as evidence that a principal lacks capacity; decisions made with supporter assistance must be recognized as the principal's own decisions and enforceable in law or equity.