Latest news with #AdministrativeOfficeoftheCourts
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Mexico judiciary names behavioral health administrator to implement new legislation
The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts has hired Esperanza Lucero, a longtime state social services leader, as its behavioral health integration and reform administrator, a new position set to play a major role in carrying out newly enacted legislation. Lucero will implement the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, also known as Senate Bill 3, the agency said in a news release. Signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in February, SB 3 tasks the Administrative Office of the Courts with coordinating the development of regional behavioral health plans, with a goal of expanding access to services throughout the state. 'Esperanza is a great fit for this inaugural position,' Administrative Office of the Courts Director Karl Reifsteck said in a statement. 'Her experience working extensively with state and local agencies to implement policy, strategies and initiatives will help in laying the groundwork for behavioral health system improvements required by state law.' Under SB 3, the Administrative Office of the Courts is responsible for convening behavioral health stakeholders — including providers, advocates, law enforcement, state agencies and local, regional and tribal governments — and identifying behavioral health resources and gaps through a patient mapping process known as the Sequential Intercept Model. That work is already underway, with mapping completed in Taos, Union, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties in 2024, and Santa Fe County earlier this year. Workshops are scheduled in June to complete the task in Los Alamos, San Miguel, Mora and Guadalupe counties. Before starting her new position, Lucero served as director of the New Mexico Department of Health's Center for Health Protection and led the state Aging and Long-Term Services Department's Adult Protective Services Division. She holds master's degrees in social work and business administration from New Mexico Highlands University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University. 'I am passionate about strengthening behavioral health services delivery in New Mexico," Lucero said in a statement. "It's an honor to serve in this capacity.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NM courts name first-ever behavioral health reform expert
Administrative Office of the Courts Behavioral Health Integration and Reform Administrator Esperanza Lucero. (Courtesy photo) The state agency that runs state courts on Monday morning named Esperanza Lucero as its first-ever behavioral health integration and reform administrator, the person tasked with implementing major parts of a new state law reforming New Mexico's behavioral health system. New Mexico this year enacted Senate Bill 3, which is meant to rebuild the state's systems for addressing mental health challenges, including substance use disorder. The law requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to divide the state into behavioral health regions, each of which will identify five behavioral health priorities over the next four years. 'I see the Judiciary as uniquely suited to providing the leadership to bring together local stakeholders and providers in a meaningful way,' Esperanza said in a statement. Esperanza's first task in her new position is to assess the initiatives already underway in New Mexico under what is called Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM), Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson said in a statement. SIM is a commonly used conceptual model developed in the early 2000s that outlines points of 'intercept' where people with mental health or substance use disorders can receive treatment and support. AOC completed mapping for Santa Fe County in January; for Rio Arriba County in December; and for the Eighth Judicial District in northeastern New Mexico in October, according to reports published on its website. A mapping workshop for the Fourth Judicial District in Mora, San Miguel and Guadalupe counties is scheduled for June 10 and 11, and a workshop for Los Alamos County is scheduled for June 23 and 24. By June 1, the state Health Care Authority's Behavioral Health Services Division will provide AOC with behavioral health standards and service evaluation guidelines, and by the end of this year, the state's Medicaid program will establish a group of licensing boards to help streamline mental health providers' credentialing, according to a timeline presented by New Mexico's top adult mental health services official earlier this month. Lucero previously served as director of the state Department of Health's Center for Health Protection, and led the Aging and Long-Term Services Department's Adult Protective Services Division. 'Her experience working extensively with state and local agencies to implement policy, strategies and initiatives will help in laying the groundwork for behavioral health system improvements required by state law,' AOC Director Karl W. Reifsteck said in a statement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
A 'Bill of Right' unveiled for guardianships in New Mexico
Apr. 20—More men than women had legal guardians last year in New Mexico. The biggest age group wasn't the elderly, but those between 31 and 50 years old. And four people with guardians were 101 years old or older. The data provided by the state Administrative Office of the Courts is now routinely collected each year. But some seven years ago, New Mexico state courts couldn't say how many people had been appointed guardians to help manage their lives or finances. Tracking was so inconsistent that in Bernalillo County, for instance, two special masters undertook spot checking of cases, and even made home visits, to make sure those under guardianship were still alive. Guardianship is considered the last resort for a person deemed by a state court judge to lack capacity to make his or her own decisions. A guardian, more often than not, is a family member. But about a quarter of appointed guardians last year were professionals who are paid to make personal and/or property decisions on behalf of an individual, according to the latest review of cases representing the time period from January 2024 to December 2024. Last year, 5,130 people in New Mexico had legal guardians, the AOC data shows. Fifty-seven percent were men, while 43% were women. Though guardianships are more typically associated with senior citizens, court case reviews showed the biggest group in New Mexico last year was between 31 and 50 years old. The total in that category was 1,841, followed by 1,342 ages 18 to 30; 1,127 between 51 and 70; and 820 ages 71 and older. 'Treated with dignity' Several waves of legal reforms have been enacted since 2018, after the Journal began an ongoing investigation into the legal process that critics complained was ripe for corruption given the power granted to court-appointed guardians and conservators. The ensuing reforms emphasized more oversight and monitoring of guardians and conservators to protect against neglect, abuse and exploitation. Incapacitated people in guardianships were called "protected persons." Although the guardianship system removes many of a person's fundamental rights, the state Supreme Court has endorsed a "Bill of Rights" setting out what rights the thousands of New Mexicans with court-appointed guardians still retain. "So many people who are the subject of a guardianship, a protected person, are not in a position to cull the statutes to understand what their rights are," said state Supreme Court Justice Shannon Bacon, a member of an interdisciplinary working group that created New Mexico's Bill of Rights. She said New Mexico's version tries to simplify the basics and make them easy to read. For instance, Bacon said, those under guardianships have a right to hire a lawyer. That can be helpful in the sometimes contentious cases, such as those that involve family members or other issues. Among other rights, protected persons can attend and take part in all court hearings. They also have the right to tell the judge on the case their concerns or complaints about the guardianship and to be included in decision-making. "If there is a question about what you can do, you have the right to have a qualified person of your choice evaluate your abilities and see if some, or all, of your rights can be restored," the Bill of Rights states. And protected persons have the right to ask the court to review whether the guardianship should change, continue, or end, and "can ask if your guardian is right for you," states another of the 21 rights outlined. "It's important to remember they (protected individuals) should be treated with dignity," Bacon added. Bacon said the new Bill of Rights is posted on the state Supreme Court website, and will be disseminated to New Mexico lawyers and others involved in the guardianship process. "I will be encouraging that district judges post these in their courtrooms," she added. Other proposed improvements endorsed by the Supreme Court died in committee during the recent state legislative session. One would have set out what should happen when a protected person dies and doesn't have heirs. Another measure that failed pertained to waivers of liability for conservators appointed to make financial decisions. Bacon said New Mexico has become a leader in enacting guardianship reforms. Nationwide, the American Bar Association estimates from 1 million to 3 million people have had a guardian appointed due to age-related cognitive decline, dementia, disability, traumatic brain injury or other circumstances. "I'm very proud of what New Mexico has done in changing the structure of adult guardianships," Bacon said.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
First Black woman elected to Kentucky Supreme Court takes oath
Former Kentucky Chief Justice Laurance Van Meter, left, administers the oath of office to Justice Pamela Goodwine. With Goodwine are her husband, Lee A. Padgett Jr., and great-grandson, Beckham Mourning. (Photo by Mark Cornelison/Administrative Office of the Courts) FRANKFORT — Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine — the first Black woman elected to the high court — was officially sworn into office Friday to cheering and clapping in the packed Frankfort chambers and the two overflow rooms. Goodwine reflected on her life of overcoming obstacles when speaking Friday, and promised to carry 'the importance of faith and education and perseverance' with her in the future. Trailblazer: A conversation with Kentucky Supreme Court Justice-elect Pamela Goodwine 'I always say I don't give up on my dreams when life gets hard, I simply work harder to make my dreams come true,' she said. 'If there is one philosophy and action I would like to be known for and for you all to recognize and live by as well, that is it. No matter what life brings your way, keep dreaming, keep working for your goals.' Goodwine spent time in foster care as an infant and was later adopted by her foster parents, the Lantern previously reported. The Youngstown, Ohio, native and high school valedictorian gave up a college scholarship to support her adoptive father who was dying of lung cancer. About six months after her father was diagnosed, he died. After his death, his brother killed her mother. At 24, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, an incurable bowel inflammation condition that can be painful and disruptive to life. After that diagnosis, she spent two months hospitalized and had to re-learn how to eat and walk. She began working in the courts as a legal secretary and court stenographer. She earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kentucky and in 1994 entered private practice with the firm Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs until her appointment to the district court bench in 1999. Goodwine won her circuit judge seat in 2003. She became the first Black woman to serve on the Kentucky Court of Appeals after being elected in 2018. 'I have often been called a trailblazer,' Goodwine said. 'More important than achieving any individual accomplishment, I have always believed that it is each of our responsibility to live and serve in ways that make the world a better place for generations that follow us.' During her investiture, Goodwine's fellow justices praised her for her tenacious character and long career of firsts. They also applauded her for making history yet again in officially donning her Supreme Court robes and inspiring broader trust in the court Justice Angela McCormick Bisig said race and gender aren't usually part of the discussions justices have about cases on their docket. Reflecting on her mountain roots, Debra Lambert takes public oath as Kentucky's chief justice But, she said, 'for this court to do that very important work, it is best to have all lived experiences and points of view at the table, because we can all strive to be compassionate and understanding, but we really can't know what it's like to be someone else.' Gov. Andy Beshear said Goodwine's win is a 'cause for celebration' but 'it's also a reminder of our reality, that nearly 250 years into the history of this great country, we are still recognizing firsts.' 'Because of Justice Goodwine's tenacity, pushing through personal tragedy, struggle and, yes, discrimination that still exists in our world, we are closer to the promise of our country that every child no matter their circumstances can dream of being a Kentucky Supreme Court justice,' Beshear said. 'I'd like to thank her for making us a little bit better here in the commonwealth today.' Chief Justice Debra Lambert called Goodwine's presence a 'gift to our court' and 'a reminder that the court should be principled and deliberate and deeply human.' While judicial races are nonpartisan, both Goodwine and her opponent received partisan support. Democrat Beshear's political committees contributed $510,000 to help Goodwine win. Her donors also included former Democratic Govs. Steve Beshear and Paul Patton, as well as some Democrats in the legislature. Goodwine won her race for the 5th District seat in November, becoming the first woman and fifth person in history to serve at every level of the judiciary. The Kentucky Supreme Court also has a majority of women now, for the first time ever. Goodwine's investiture was originally scheduled for January but was delayed because of weather. During the ceremony, Fayette County District Judge Melissa Moore Murphy led the crowd in singing 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' the Black National Anthem. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Which bills have been signed by the governor so far?
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session winds down, House and Senate Bills have already made it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk to sign. Below are bills that have been signed into law so far. House Bill 1 moved quickly through the legislature and was signed by the governor on January 23. Its purpose is to outline appropriations for the expenses of the legislative session and where the funds will be coming from. House Bill 8 was signed by the governor about halfway through the session on February 27. Its focus is on criminal competency, looking to improve the court system and make sure that individuals who may be having a mental health crisis when they commit a crime have access to the treatment they need so they are able to stand trial. House Bill 47 was signed into law on March 20, 2025, and implements a constitutional amendment to increase property tax exemptions for veterans from $4,000 to $10,000. There is also a proportional tax exemption for disabled vets to match their federal disability rating. House Bill 161 was also signed on March 20 and also aims to benefit veterans in the state. HB 161 gives veterans free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use and camping passes. The Forest & Watershed Buffer Project bill was signed on March 19 by the governor and deals with making projects to create or maintain buffers in and around wildland or urban interaces eligible for funding form the forest land protection revolving fund. Signed by the governor on February 27, the Behavioral Health Trust Fund bill will create a behavioral health trust fund for the state similar to the state's trust funds for higher education and early childhood care. Similar to SB 1, the Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act was signed on February 17 and would allow the Administrative Office of the Courts to map out behavioral health regions based on counties or judicial districts. The Game Commission Reform Bill was signed on March 20 and aims to reform the Game Commission by introducing new qualifications for commissioners to create a more functional board. It would also update hunting and fishing license fees to increase by approximately $15 annually and officer discounts for seniors, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Signed by the governor on March 20, SB 75 makes changes to the Educational REtirement Act, clarifying restrictions on receiving gifts, providing for unclaimed member contributions to be deposited into the Educational Retirement Fund, and also allows for a member on disability status who is over 60 years old and who receives an annuity adjustment to continue receiving the adjustment. Signed on March 20, this bill would protect Indigenous students' rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies or public school events. The bill unanimously cleared the Senate and House and will take effect immediately. Senate Bill 199 was signed by the governor on March 20 and pertains to increasing the amount of the Local DWI Grant Fund to administer the grant program. The governor signed this bill on March 20 and requires CYFD to determine federal benefits eligibility for children in its custody, apply for federal benefits, and either act as the child's representative payee or decide an appropriate alternative. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
