January 9, 2026: First Legislative Update of the New Year

The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and we’re already seeing exciting progress for Death with Dignity bills across the country. One state is weeks away from being signed into law, and two states have already introduced legislation in the first week of the year!

New York Medical Aid in Dying Update

The New York legislature started on Wednesday, January 7, and we know the early part of the session is going to be full of activities. S08835 was introduced within the first 24 hours of the session’s start, and it contains several amendments to the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138)—the “Chapter Amendments” that Governor Hochul negotiated as a condition of her agreement to sign the bill. 

Top Highlights in New York’s Bill Amendments:

  • Requires a recording of the patient’s oral request to be stored permanently in their medical record
  • Requires a psychological evaluation by a psychiatrist, neurologist or licensed psychologist as a condition of qualification
  • Must be a resident of New York
  • Law goes into effect six months after the bill has been signed

These chapter amendments will likely move very quickly through the legislative process and will be accompanied by the Governor’s signature. We’ll let you know what actions you can take in 2026 to make Death with Dignity a reality in New York and the 13th state in the nation—plus Washington D.C.—with a medical aid in dying bill.

Death with Dignity Bill Introductions
  • The Indiana legislature reintroduced the End of Life Options Act (HB1011). The bill is now with the House Committee on Public Health. Representative Matt Pierce continues to champion medical aid in dying by introducing this legislation for the eighth consecutive year.
  • Missouri introduced the Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act (HB453). The bill has already had its first and second readings in the House, and we’re closely monitoring its progress as it moves toward being assigned its first committee.
Carryover Bills

Some bills that did not advance before their state’s legislative session adjourned last year are now back in play and can move forward without being reintroduced.

  • Massachusetts left off last year with S1486 reporting favorably by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and was referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Its companion bill, H2505, was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Public Health and was referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The Bay State made incredible progress last year, and we’re pushing for even more momentum this year.
  • In Minnesota, the End of Life Option Act (HF2998/SF3215) was introduced and referred to the House Health Finance and Policy and the Senate Health and Human Services Committees. The land of 10,000 lakes has introduced medical aid in dying legislation for over 10 years, and we’re hopeful the bill crosses the finish line this year.
  • Coming off a historic year of bill progress in 2024, New Hampshire’s End of Life Freedom Act (HB254) received a motion to be tabled in the House. The vote won 183-182, and the bill was tabled for the rest of the session without being picked up by the House. If you’re a Granite Stater, make sure you’re signed up for our email alerts so you’re the first to know how the bill progresses this year!
  • Last year, North Carolina introduced H410,  a bill that would direct the North Carolina Institute of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on medical aid in dying. The bill has been referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committees. We’ll continue to advocate for the passage of this important bill this session, along with our partner Dying Right North Carolina.
  • In Pennsylvania last year, the  Compassionate Aid in Dying Act (HB1109/SB570) was introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Pennsylvanians, we need this bill to receive a public hearing! Contact the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and urge them to pass medical aid in dying for terminally ill Pennsylvania residents.
  • In Tennessee, SB640 was introduced and passed on second consideration. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Last year, Tennessee’s companion bill received a public hearing for the first time ever, and we’re excited to see how SB640 progresses this year.
  • Washington is the only crossover state pursuing an amendment to its Death with Dignity law. The proposed change would allow exceptions to the seven-day waiting period for patients with fewer than seven days to live, those at risk of losing the ability to self-administer the medication, or those experiencing unbearable pain. Last year, HB 1876 received a hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning, though no vote was taken. We are hopeful that this session will bring passage of this amendment, expanding access for terminally ill Washington residents.

Don’t see your state listed? Find out the status of your state and how you can advocate for passing medical aid in dying where you live.

We’ll continue to provide updates on legislative developments and breaking news about the movement. Things can change quickly, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky, and sign up for our email alerts here.