Spring is in the air—longer days, blooming flowers, and birds singing their morning songs. Just like the changing seasons, Death with Dignity legislation is moving forward across the country!
Here’s the latest on where medical aid in dying bills stand:
Bill Introductions
- Nevada introduced their Death with Dignity bill, AB346. The bill is now in the Committee on End-of-Life Care. We’re thrilled to have bipartisan bill sponsorship from Assemblymember Joe Dalia, Danielle Gallant, and Senator Edgar Flores. Nevada residents, urge the Assembly Committee to give AB346 a hearing today!
- Rhode Island introduced the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (S151), and it is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is a companion bill to H5219 which is currently tabled in the House.
Committee Referrals
- In Florida, S1700 was referred to the Judiciary, Health Policy, and Fiscal Policy Committees. This is a companion bill to H471, which is currently in the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee.
Public Hearings
New Hampshire’s HB254 passed in the House Judiciary Committee with an 11-7 vote! It now moves to a full House vote. If you are a New Hampshire resident, tell the House to pass Death with Dignity!
Oregon’s SB1003, an amendment to Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, had its first public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. A vote hasn’t been held yet, but supporters showed up strong. Oregon residents, urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to SUPPORT SB1003!
In Tennessee, HB598 received a hearing in the House Population Health Subcommittee. While the committee ultimately voted it down (2-8), Representative Bob Freeman was a powerful advocate, and the momentum behind this bill is growing!
Maryland’s HB1328 had a public hearing in the House Health and Government Operations Committee. No vote took place.
Illinois‘ HB1328/SB9 were scheduled for public hearings, but none of the bills were heard. We’re closely monitoring the next steps for these bills.
Opposition Bills
We shared in a previous update that Montana’s SB136 passed the Senate in a 29-20 vote. Now the bill has a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on March 19. SB136 is a direct attack on end-of-life rights, seeking to criminalize doctors who provide medical aid in dying to terminally ill patients. If passed, it would strip Montanans of their right to make their own end-of-life decisions.
If you live in Montana, now is the time to take action — write a letter to the committee and tell them you oppose SB136!
Legislation moves fast, and your voice makes a difference! Stay connected with us on Meta, Instagram, X, and Bluesky, and make sure to sign up for Death with Dignity email alerts!
Thank you for being a part of the Death with Dignity movement. We work tirelessly to keep you informed on our latest legislative work and how you can advocate in your state. As we continue the fight in 2025, we hope you’ll make a charitable gift to defend Death with Dignity to fund our legal and policy teams to protect your end-of-life freedoms.