🟢Relating to the authority of a supporter regarding legal proceedings granted under a supported decision-making agreement.

🟢 SB 66: Supported decision-making rights delayed for a study

What it says it does:
SB 66 was introduced to strengthen supported decision-making agreements for adults with disabilities. It aimed to let people bring their chosen supporters into legal proceedings so they could better understand and participate without losing their independence.

What it actually changes:
The original bill amended the Estates Code to allow supporters in hearings and courtrooms. That version would have made a real difference. But during the Senate process, the language was replaced. The final law only directs the Office of Court Administration to study the issue and report back in 2026.

Who is pushing for it:
Senator Judith Zaffirini authored the bill. Disability Rights Texas testified in favor. The Office of Court Administration will now lead the study, working with the State Bar and legal aid groups.

Who benefits:
Advocates gain a formal seat at the table to shape policy. Lawmakers can point to progress without having to resolve the legal privilege debate right away.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Adults with disabilities facing court today still cannot rely on their supporters in legal settings. The protections that could have helped them are delayed until after the study is complete.

Why this matters long term:
A Green idea became a waiting game. Instead of granting rights now, SB 66 pushes the question into a bureaucratic process. Whether meaningful reform ever returns depends on the follow-through in 2027.

What to watch next:
Watch how the Office of Court Administration conducts the study and who it listens to. The report due in December 2026 will determine if the next Legislature restores the original intent or lets the issue fade.

Bottom line:
SB 66 started as a strong disability rights bill that could have changed lives. It ended as a promise to “study” the same rights that Texans with disabilities still do not have in court. The spirit was right, but the action was delayed.

#SB66 #TexasPolicy #DisabilityRights #AccessToJustice #KnowBeforeYouVote