As we usher in the new year, state legislatures across the country are already introducing Death with Dignity bills. Some states will also carry over their bills from last year into the 2024 session. Here’s what has happened in the first two weeks of the January session:

New Bills Introduced

New Hampshire introduced the End of Life Options Act (HB1283) and it has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. New Hampshire Alliance for End of Life Options is on the front lines of an organized, strategic, grassroots effort to bring Death with Dignity to New Hampshire. 

The Wisconsin legislature introduced the Our Care, Our Options Act (AB781/SB739) and they have been referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and Committee on Health respectively. This bill is one of few this year to not include a residency requirement. If passed, they would become the third state in the U.S. that does not include a residency mandate in their aid-in-dying law.

In Indiana, Representative Matt Pierce introduced HB1011, and has received its first reading in the Committee on Public Health. If passed, Death with Dignity would be accessible to nearly 7 million Hoosiers.

Missouri introduced the Marilyn Teitelbaum Death with Dignity Act (HB1903) which has been read a second time. This is the first time Missouri has introduced aid-in-dying legislation since 2018.

In Florida, Representative Daryl Campbell and Senator Victor Torres introduced the Florida End of Life Options Act (HB561/S1642) and received a first reading. The law would legalize medical aid-in-dying in the state of Florida and expand access to nearly 22 million Floridians.

In Tennessee, State Representative Bob Freeman introduced HB1710. This is the first time the Volunteer State has introduced Death with Dignity legislation in seven years!

Rhode Island introduced the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (H7100) and it has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Last year, the bill gained great momentum having received a House public hearing. We’re hopeful this is the year Rhode Island goes all the way and passes its Death with Dignity law!

The Virginia legislature introduced SB280 and it has been referred to the Committee on Education and Health. This is the fifth year that a Death with Dignity bill has been considered in Virginia. 

Carryover Bills

Massachusetts’ session started on January 3rd. They carried over the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act (S1331/H2246). Both Senate and House bills received a public hearing in the Joint Committee on Public Health in October and are awaiting a Committee vote.

New York’s session also started on January 3rd. They carried over the End of Life Options Act (S2445/A995). Both the Senate and Assembly bills are currently in their respective Health Committees and await a public hearing.

Iowa’s session started on January 8th. They carried over the Iowa Our Care, Our Options Act (HF 533/HF612). Both bills are currently in the Health and Human Services and Judiciary Committees respectively and await a public hearing.

Michigan’s session started on January 9h. They carried over The Death with Dignity Act (SB681). The bill is currently in the Committee on Public Policy and awaits a public hearing.

Delaware’s session started on January 10th. They carried over the Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB140). In May, the bill received a public hearing and passed out of the Health & Human Development Committee. HB140 now awaits a House floor vote

Pennsylvania’s session starts on February 2nd. They will carry over the Compassionate Aid in Dying Act (HB543/SB816). Both bills are currently in the Health and Judiciary Committees respectively. Both bills await a public hearing.

Minnesota’s session starts On February 12th. They will carry over the End of Life Option Act (SF 1813/HF 1930). Both bills are currently in the Human Services and the Health Finance and Policy and Committee respectively. Both bills await a public hearing.

North Carolina’s session starts April 24th. They will carry over H877, which is currently in the Appropriations Committee and awaits a public hearing. HB877 is a study bill and would require the North Carolina Institute of Medicine to study the effects of legalizing medical aid in dying.

16 states already have active bills in the first two weeks of the session, and we’re just getting started! We’ll keep you updated on bill movement, public hearings, and more throughout the legislative session. To get the news as it breaks be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X!