SB66 - Relating to a study on authorizing a supporter under a supported decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with legal proceedings.

      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