Lawmakers consider making California’s End‑of‑Life Option Act permanent; supporters cite peace of mind, opponents ask for more data review

The committee considered SB 403, which would remove the statutory sunset provision in California’s End‑of‑Life Option Act and make the medical‑aid‑in‑dying law permanent. The sponsor said nine years of program data show safe administration and asked that California end the periodic expiration that requires legislative reauthorization.

Physician Katherine Forristal (testifying as a physician and widow) described her husband’s terminal illness and said the statute afforded him control and a peaceful death. “This compassionate option gave Will a sense of control even as everything else was slipping away,” she told the committee. Bonnie McKeon recounted her mother’s death using the law and said the choice gave her mother relief that hospice alone could not provide.

Supporters included Compassion & Choices and medical practitioners who said safeguards in the law — two oral requests separated by 48 hours, a second physician confirmation of diagnosis and capacity, and mandatory counseling on alternatives — have worked. Several witnesses urged the committee to remove the sunset so families and clinicians can plan without fear the law will lapse.

Opponents — including La Luz Project and other groups representing Latino and disability advocates — urged the committee to retain oversight and to demand a comprehensive, public review of program data before removing the sunset. They stressed possible disparities in access and asked for more complete reporting to ensure protections for vulnerable communities.

The committee heard both the personal testimony of family members and technical requests for data. The sponsor accepted an amendment clarifying the Department of Public Health’s authority to determine what is published in public data releases. No final roll‑call vote was taken during the hearing.