Death with Dignity legislation made history this week! This included momentous public hearings, new bill introductions, and committee referrals. 

Here are the updates from a jam-packed week full of progress:

New Bills Introduced

Arizona
Arizona introduced HB2878; a bill that would legalize medical aid in dying (MAID) for Arizonans. The companion bill, SB1530, has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the Rules Committee and was read for a second time.

Iowa
Iowa introduced the Our Care, Our Options Act (HF2288), and it has been referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee. The companion bill, SF2101, was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.

Public Hearings

Virginia
For the first time ever, Virginia has had a Death with Dignity bill (SB280) be voted out of the Senate and crossover to the House of Delegates. This is the closest a Virginia Death with Dignity bill has ever come to passage. Additionally, HB858 passed its third public hearing on February 8 in the House Health and Human Services Committee with a 12-10 in favor vote. The bill now awaits a House floor vote.

New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, HB1283 had a public hearing on February 7 in the House Judiciary Committee. An executive session has been scheduled for HB1283 on February 15 in the Judiciary Committee.

Maryland
Maryland’s SB443 had a public hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 8. Additionally, HB403 has a public hearing scheduled in the House Government Operations Committee on February 16. Tune in to watch the hearing here!

Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ SB1331 passed out of the Joint Committee on Public Health. The bill currently awaits a referral to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.

Bills Referred to Committees

Tennessee
Tennessee’s SB2258 has passed on Second Consideration and is referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill awaits a public hearing announcement.

Updates are unfolding quickly as MAID bills move through the legislature this session. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, so you can get the latest breaking news!