In 2025, New Mexico became the 28th state to pass a bill recognizing Supported Decision Making as a legal alternative or addition to guardianship.

In 2025, New Mexico became the 28th state to pass a bill recognizing Supported Decision Making as a legal alternative or addition to guardianship. Supported Decision Making creates more independence and provides protected persons greater discretion over their lifestyle in matters such as housing, medical care, finances, and day-to-day personal choices. It makes I/DD clients better self-advocates, and can relieve those who assist them of fiduciary duties. The documentation putting Supportive Decision Making in place also makes life easier for everyone involved by specifying the parameters of support based on those which the individual has requested, and those which are retained within guardianship. It represents an improved quality of life for New Mexicans with disabilities, and a more dynamic and compassionate approach to care, empowering the people it serves, and those who provide them services.