The Senate Human Services Committee approved an amendment to Senate Bill 2297 and then voted 6-0 to advance the bill as amended.

Committee members said the revised language clarifies the order of decision-makers for informed consent involving incapacitated individuals and makes the statute clearer than the prior version. A senator noted that the amended language begins the minor section with "unless otherwise determined by a court order, a parent may make" the decision, which committee members said improves clarity about parental authority and medical decisions.

Senator Rohrer moved the amendment and the committee approved it by voice vote and then on the roll call (6-0). The committee then voted to pass the bill as amended by the same margin. Committee discussion included senators with experience in child custody and health decision-making who said the amended language would allow for linkage and joint decision-making where appropriate.

Votes at a glance

Senate Bill 2297 (amendment) — Amendment approved, 6-0.
Senate Bill 2297 (as amended) — Do pass recommendation, 6-0.