The Latest: New Mexico House OKs guardianship reforms

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House has approved a bill aimed at overhauling New Mexico's guardianship laws. House members voted late Wednesday for reforms designed to increase state oversight and public access to information regarding professional guardians and conservators who manage finances and care for vulnerable elderly and disabled people. The amended bill now moves back to the Senate. The measure includes more stringent reporting and financial accountability measures. It also requires that conservators be bonded or secure other asset-protection. Those placed under guardianship or conservatorships are typically elderly, those with dementia or Alzheimer's or others who need help with their decision-making or finances. Currently, guardians and conservators proceedings are secret and families have complained about being barred from visiting or communicating with their loved ones once a professional guardian is appointed.