SENATE BILL 19 IS NOW THE LAW. IT REQUIRES STRINGENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND OVERSIGHT DESIGNED TO IMPROVE NEW MEXICO’S GUARDIANSHIP SYSTEM. THE LAW ALLOWS GUARDIANSHIP HEARINGS TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. IT ALSO RESTRICTS THE ABILITY OF GUARDIANS TO BAN FAMILY MEMBERS FROM VISITING THEIR INCAPACITATED LOVED ONE.
THOSE GUARDIANS WILL ALSO NOW BE REQUIRED TO KEEP THE PROTECTED PERSON’S FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR SEVEN YEARS. ALSO, THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS AND THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR WILL BEGIN A PILOT PROGRAM TO AUDIT AND REVIEW GUARDIANSHIP CASES.
