Relating to a study on authorizing a supporter under a supported decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with legal proceedings, the official text

S.B. No. 66

AN ACT

relating to a study on authorizing a supporter under a supported

decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with

legal proceedings.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this section:

(1) "Adult," "disability," "supported decision-making

agreement," and "supporter" have the meanings assigned by Section

1357.002, Estates Code.

(2) "Office" means the Office of Court Administration

of the Texas Judicial System.

(b) The office shall conduct a study on the legal and

ethical implications of authorizing a supporter under a supported

decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with

legal proceedings in which the adult is involved.

(c) The study must:

(1) examine the effect of the supporter's involvement

in civil or criminal legal proceedings on attorney-client privilege

and confidentiality, including whether the presence of a supporter

during legal consultations results in a waiver of privilege or

other protection granted under law;

(2) identify provisions of the Estates Code and other

relevant laws that may require amendment to provide for the adult's

effective legal support while preserving protected communications

and ethical legal representation;

(3) evaluate best practices from other jurisdictions

that balance autonomy of adults with disabilities and access to

justice with confidentiality safeguards; and

(4) include recommendations for statutory changes

that the office determines are appropriate based on the results of

the study.

(d) In conducting the study, the office may consult with:

(1) Disability Rights Texas;

(2) relevant sections of the State Bar of Texas,

including sections specializing in probate, legal ethics, and

disability law;

(3) legal aid organizations and public defenders;

(4) members of the judiciary; and

(5) other stakeholders with experience in supported

decision-making agreements, legal ethics, or disability rights.

(e) Not later than December 1, 2026, the office shall submit

a report on its findings and recommendations to the governor, the

lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,

and the appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of

representatives.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

______________________________
______________________________

President of the Senate
Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 66 passed the Senate on

May 6, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that the

Senate concurred in House amendment on May 30, 2025, by the

following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 66 passed the House, with

amendment, on May 28, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 107,

Nays 30, two present not voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor