S.B. No. 66
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study on authorizing a supporter under a supported
  decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with
  legal proceedings.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a)  In this section:
               (1)  "Adult," "disability," "supported decision-making
  agreement," and "supporter" have the meanings assigned by Section
  1357.002, Estates Code.
               (2)  "Office" means the Office of Court Administration
  of the Texas Judicial System.
         (b)  The office shall conduct a study on the legal and
  ethical implications of authorizing a supporter under a supported
  decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with
  legal proceedings in which the adult is involved.
         (c)  The study must:
               (1)  examine the effect of the supporter's involvement
  in civil or criminal legal proceedings on attorney-client privilege
  and confidentiality, including whether the presence of a supporter
  during legal consultations results in a waiver of privilege or
  other protection granted under law;
               (2)  identify provisions of the Estates Code and other
  relevant laws that may require amendment to provide for the adult's
  effective legal support while preserving protected communications
  and ethical legal representation;
               (3)  evaluate best practices from other jurisdictions
  that balance autonomy of adults with disabilities and access to
  justice with confidentiality safeguards; and
               (4)  include recommendations for statutory changes
  that the office determines are appropriate based on the results of
  the study.
         (d)  In conducting the study, the office may consult with:
               (1)  Disability Rights Texas;
               (2)  relevant sections of the State Bar of Texas,
  including sections specializing in probate, legal ethics, and
  disability law;
               (3)  legal aid organizations and public defenders;
               (4)  members of the judiciary; and
               (5)  other stakeholders with experience in supported
  decision-making agreements, legal ethics, or disability rights.
         (e)  Not later than December 1, 2026, the office shall submit
  a report on its findings and recommendations to the governor, the
  lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
  and the appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of
  representatives.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 66 passed the Senate on
  May 6, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that the
  Senate concurred in House amendment on May 30, 2025, by the
  following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 66 passed the House, with
  amendment, on May 28, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 107,
  Nays 30, two present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor