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Disability rights activists and advocates for Britney Spears are pushing a California proposal that will provide more protections for those under court-ordered conservatorships while promoting less restrictive alternatives.
According to the Associated Press, their move was prompted by the recent developments in the Spears case this week.
The case is reportedly headed for a long trial after a series of angry accusations between attorneys for Spears and her father were made during a hearing to settle issues in the aftermath of the termination of Spears' conservatorship.
Groups like Disability Voices United, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and Free Britney L.A. say that probate conservatorships are overused and misused specifically in California.
These conservatorships typically involve people with developmental or intellectual disabilities or those with age-related issues like dementia or Alzheimer's.
These groups are backing legislation by Democratic Assemblyman Brian Maienschein that will make it easier to end conservatorships for people who want out.
They are promoting "supported decision-making" agreements as a less restrictive alternative, which will allow people with disabilities to choose someone to help them understand, make and communicate their choices, but allow the person to still make their own decision.
According to advocates, this option has already been adopted in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
“Conservatorships should be rare, and the last resort,” Judy Mark, president of Disability Voices United, a Southern California advocacy group told AP. “The default should be that people with disabilities retain their rights and get support when they need it.”