Inspired Legislation. Senate Bill 1785, sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur, Rep James Buchanan, and Rep Randy Fine, had the most impactful bill this legislative session for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All Senators co-sponsored the legislation as well as many members in the House. Its passage was a tribute to self-advocates and families who personally talked to policymakers. The new law, which is on its way to Governor DeSantis, mandates the Agency for Persons with Disabilities:
- Offers care navigation services to clients and their caregivers.
- Requires the integration of care plans for Individual Education Plans (IEP) for public school students.
- Introduces an online application process for services.
- Ensures immediate receipt confirmation and maintains access to paper applications.
- Alters the timeframe for eligibility determinations and lowers the age requirement for caregivers in a specific pre-enrollment category.
- Directs the development of a comprehensive plan for a new home and community-based services Medicaid Waiver program targeting clients transitioning into adulthood.
Supported Decision-Making Finally Arrives. House Bill 73, sponsored by Rep Allison Tant and Senator Corey Simon, will make a difference for self-advocates maintaining their rights to self-determination through “Supported Decision-Making.” Self-Advocate Michael Lincoln-McCreight led the charge in committee hearings by telling his story as the first person in Florida to win a court case to be permitted to use supported decision-making instead of guardianship or other more restrictive controls. Disability Rights Florida not only did a great job in court for Michael, but over the last four years worked with Representative Tant to modify regulations surrounding the support and decision-making authority for people with developmental disabilities, specifically focusing on guardian advocacy and supported decision-making agreements. Included in the bill was a requirement that Florida circuit courts assess the individual needs and abilities of those with developmental disabilities when deciding on the appointment of guardian advocates, and only delegating decision-making tasks the individual is unable to execute independently. Also included was to amend the requirements for transition planning to postsecondary education and career opportunities for students with disabilities to include supported decision-making agreements.
