FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALTSD Contact
Joey Long, PhD
Public Information Officer
Joey.long@altsd.nm.gov
March 3, 2025
Supported decision-making bill unanimously passes House, moves on to Senate
SANTA FE – On Saturday, House Bill 149, known as the Supported Decision-Making Act, passed the New Mexico House with a unanimous vote of 64-0.
“Saturday’s vote was for all New Mexicans who have been told you can’t do something or make your own decisions,” said Rep. Michelle Abeyta, sponsor of the bill. “This will give us a legally recognized option for individuals to direct their own lives and retain their power, while also receiving the assistance they need.”
If passed, this bill would allow adults, including those with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, to have the legal right to enter into a supported decision-making (SDM) agreement. While many adults already seek advice from trusted friends or family when making important choices, this bill would ensure another layer of legal protections for those who rely on this process.
“We know that when we maintain the authority to direct our own choices, we live healthier, happier and higher quality lives,” said Emily Kaltenbach, Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) Cabinet Secretary. “With this option, New Mexico families have more opportunities to avoid entering systems such as guardianship, which are costly, restrictive and not always the best fit.”
Currently, individuals who need additional support have few legal alternatives beyond full adult guardianship. Implementing SDM would create a critical middle ground—allowing for increased autonomy while ensuring structured guidance is available.
Passage of this bill would establish a new program within the Office of Guardianship dedicated to SDM. ALTSD will work closely with the Office of Guardianship to connect interested adults with SDM resources. With unanimous bipartisan support in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate.
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The New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) was established in 2004 to provide resources, connection and advocacy for seniors and adults with disabilities. The department oversees the state’s Area Agencies on Aging to elevate the quality of care at senior centers, offers advocacy through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer program, and provides intervention through the agency’s national award-winning Adult Protective Services. Additionally, ALTSD houses the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, which offers options counseling, education, and connection to resources. For more information about ALTSD, visit aging.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram @NewMexicoAging.