An Ohio bill would give supported decision-making formal standing in state law, letting adults with developmental disabilities choose trusted supporters while keeping the final say. Disability Scoop reported on the bill, Senate Bill 35, on Sept. 17, 2026, in a story from Cleveland.com.
What Senate Bill 35 would do
Senate Bill 35, from Republican Sens. Jerry Cirino and Michele Reynolds, passed the Senate unanimously last year and has had two hearings before the House Children and Human Services Committee. It would let an adult with a developmental disability choose trusted supporters to help them understand information, weigh options and communicate decisions, while keeping final authority. The written plan would need a notary or two witnesses. Supporters would owe the adult a fiduciary duty and could be liable for breaching it. The adult could end it at any time, and the state would create a model plan. The bill also presumes adults with developmental disabilities are competent unless a court decides otherwise. The central debate is how to guard against supporters exerting undue influence.
Why this matters for providers and DSPs
DSPs often help people make everyday and major choices. A formal framework could clarify when staff act as supporters and what duties come with that role, so Ohio agencies should watch the bill.