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.