New Mexico Guardianship Reform Bill Goes to Governor

Legislation to improve New Mexico’s troubled guardianship system through transparency and greater involvement of family members is headed to the desk of Gov. Susana Martinez.

The 60-page bill is designed to prevent abuse and exploitation of thousands of incapacitated people who are under court-ordered guardianship or conservatorship in the state.

The measure, which involved last-minute efforts by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to address the issue this session, put off more comprehensive reforms, which are to be studied for the next two years.

Sen. Ivey-Soto

“Some things have to be above politics,” said state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque. “This guardian issue is one of those issues.”

After a unanimous vote of approval by the House late Wednesday, the Senate took up the amended measure for concurrence in the first hour of the last day of the 30-day session. That vote was unanimous. If Martinez approves the bill, changes could go into effect July 1.

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Guardianship Reform Bill Goes to Governor