Bill > HM23

This Memorial requests the formation of a task force to study Supported Decision Making (SDM) in New Mexico as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship and conservatorship, which are legal arrangements where a court appoints someone to make decisions for an individual who is deemed unable to do so themselves. The task force, to be led by the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and composed of various stakeholders including disability advocacy groups, legal representatives, and individuals with disabilities and the elderly, will examine options to guardianship and conservatorship, assess their effectiveness and barriers, and consider how other states implement SDM. The goal is to develop a strategic plan to reduce the number of individuals declared incapacitated and appointed guardians or conservators, while still ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations from exploitation and rights restrictions, with a report and recommendations due by November 1, 2020.