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SB 35 Ohio Senate · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Regards supported decision-making for certain disabled adults

Summary
To enact sections 5123.68, 5123.681, 5123.682, 5123.683, 5123.684, 5123.685, and 5123.686 of the Revised Code to establish supported decision-making as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 35 establishes a less restrictive alternative to guardianship, enhancing autonomy and civil rights for disabled adults within the legal system, aligning with criminal justice reform.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSB 35 establishes supported decision-making for disabled adults, supporting patient rights and autonomy within mental health and disability services, a component of Healthcare.88% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Oct 2025
Senate Passage
Oct 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 28, 2025 Last action Oct 22, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced → As Passed by the Senate · 6 edits · Oct 15, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was amended to expand the list of cosponsors and restructure the formatting of the text. Substantively, the definition of 'supported decision-making plan' was changed from allowing informal arrangements to requiring a formal, documented written plan. The role of supporters was strengthened by adding fiduciary duties and conflict of interest requirements, while also clarifying that supporters must only access information relevant to authorized decisions.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed regarding the formality of supported decision-making plans, which now must be documented in writing rather than allowing informal arrangements. Additionally, the bill was expanded to include additional cosponsors.
DEFINITION

Changed the definition of 'supported decision-making plan' from allowing both informal and formal arrangements to requiring a formal, documented written plan entered into pursuant to section 5123.683.

REQUIREMENT

Added fiduciary duties for supporters, requiring them to act in the principal's best interest and disclose any conflicts of interest.

Added liability provisions for supporters who breach their fiduciary duty or intentionally fail to disclose conflicts of interest.

Clarified that supporters may only access personal information that is relevant to decisions authorized by the supported decision-making plan.

ENFORCEMENT

Added protections for third parties who act in good faith relying on a supported decision-making plan, shielding them from liability unless they have actual knowledge of plan modifications.

TECHNICAL

Added additional cosponsors to the bill and restructured the formatting and layout of the text.

Floor votes · Senate Oct 15, 2025

How they voted

31–0
Passed
Total votes 31
Oct 15, 2025
D Democratic9
9 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican22
22 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Oct 22, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
Oct 21, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
Oct 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Jan 29, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
upper
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jerry Cirino
Jerry Cirino
RRepublican
OH
18
P
Photo of Michele Reynolds
Michele Reynolds
RRepublican
OH
3
Co
Photo of Shane Wilkin
Shane Wilkin
RRepublican
OH
17