Rhode Island

Rhode Island

Overview

Guardianship Laws

Supported Decision-Making

Supported Decision-Making Statute

  • 42 R.I. Gen. Laws § § 42-66.13-1–13-10 (2019).
    Link to Rhode Island Code: webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE42/42-66.13/INDEX.HTM
    Link to Enacted Bill: webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/HouseText19/H5909A.pdf

State Legislation

  • H.B. 5909, 2019 Gen. Assemb., Leg. Sess. (R.I. 2019).
    • Establishes the use of SDM as an alternative to guardianship and codifies an SDM Agreement form.
    • Status: In effect.  Signed by the Governor on July 8, 2019.
    • Public Link [webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/HouseText19/H5909A.pdf]
  • Isaac’s Law,” S.B. 246, 2021 Reg. Sess. and companion bill H.B. 6079
    • Description: Prohibits discrimination against people based on physical or mental disability in the medical context of organ transplantation, includes supported decision-making services as an “auxiliary service.”
    • Status: Introduced 2/10/2021, referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. In House, Committee recommended measure be held for further study on 03/30/2021.
    • Public Link: Senate Bill [http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/PublicLaws/law21/law21133.htm]
    • Public Link: House Bill [https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H6079/id/2320443/Rhode_Island-2021-H6079-Introduced.pdf]
  • H.B. 7992, 2017 Leg., Reg. Sess. (R.I. 2019)
    • Description: Establishes the use of SDM as an alternative to guardianship and codifies an SDM Agreement form.
    • Status: Died in committee
    • Public Link [webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/HouseText18/H7992.pdf]
  • S. 2753, 2017 Leg., Reg. Sess. (R.I. 2018)
    • Description: Establishes the use of SDM as an alternative to guardianship and codifies an SDM Agreement form.
    • Status: Died in committee
    • Public Link [webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/SenateText18/S2753.pdf]

Case Law & Court Orders

None found

State Grant Programs

None awarded

Other Resources

Information Last Updated: July 21, 2022