Legislature(2017 - 2018)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/24/2018 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB123 | |
| HB259 | |
| HB336 | |
| HB44 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 208 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 123 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 259 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 336 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 44 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 336-SUPPORTIVE DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENTS
1:44:01 PM
CHAIR COGHILL announced the consideration of HB 336. He
solicited public testimony.
1:45:06 PM
JAYNE ANDREEN, Volunteer Advocate, AARP, Juneau, Alaska, stated
support for HB 336. She advised that AARP in Alaska has been an
active partner in the Working Interdisciplinary Networks of
Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS) Project, looking for
alternatives to the extreme guardianship that exists in Alaska.
Thus, AARP has had input in HB 336 and supports the way it is
drafted.
She explained that supported decision-making has long been
important in the disabilities community and as the population
ages it's clear that it is an important tool to keep older
Alaskans who have been diagnosed with dementia engaged and
surrounded with people they trust to help make decisions. She
shared a personal experience of a family member age 65 who was
recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia. His family is
working with the doctor to set up an informal assisted decision-
making team.
MS. ANDREEN reiterated support for HB 336.
CHAIR COGHILL shared his experience as power of attorney for his
elderly father.
1:47:43 PM
ART DELAUNE, Member, Governor's Council on Disabilities and
Special Education, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that he supports HB
336 because it adds the option of supportive decision-making
agreements to guardianships in Alaska. They are written by a set
process with supporters who are chosen by the person who wants
the support. These agreements provide specific ways that
supporters will help with decisions and will have safeguards to
help the wellbeing and independence of adults with disabilities.
It allows an individual to take control of their life, develop
decision-making skills, and live independently. It builds on the
planning process often used in special education programs and
can be used to transition youth educational development beyond
the age of 22.
MR. DELAUNE shared that he is the guardian for his 24-year-old
son who experiences both a developmental disability and a mental
health disability. The process of discussing decisions and
coming to agreement before a decision is made has always worked.
Supportive decision-making will give his son control over his
life that is unavailable under a guardianship. The guardianship
system in Alaska has more than three times the workload as the
national average. Supportive decision-making would help relieve
some of the strain on this system and reduce costs to the state.
Passing HB 336 will allow individuals with disabilities to have
a voice in directing their lives. Research shows that people who
make decisions about their lives are more involved in the
community and more likely to be satisfied with their lives. He
encouraged passage of HB 336.
1:51:09 PM
CHAIR COGHILL closed public testimony on HB 336.
1:51:55 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO moved to report CSHB 336 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
CHAIR COGHILL found no objection and CSHB 336(JUD) AM moved from
the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
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