SB20-129 Summary

• Defines "supported decision-making" as a method for adults with disabilities to make their own decisions with assistance from trusted friends, family, professionals, and others for understanding issues, asking questions, and facilitating decisions about health, safety, welfare, and finances.

• Requires courts to appoint a visitor to investigate and report within 14 days when appointing an emergency guardian or special conservator without notice if the appointee is a professional without priority status.

• Mandates the visitor interview the respondent to explain petition details, identify members of their supportive community, and inform them of their rights to counsel and that proceeding costs will be paid from their estate.

• Requires the visitor's report to include recommendations on limiting the guardian or conservator's powers based on the respondent's desires and personal values, whether supportive community members should participate in proceedings, and whether less restrictive alternatives are available.

• Requires courts to rule within seven days on the visitor's report and enter specific findings regarding supportive community participation, power limitations, and other matters to preserve and protect the respondent's rights.