New Mexico Senate Democrats have announced the approval of Senate Bill 42 by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which passed with a unanimous 9-0 vote. The announcement was made in a press release on March 10, 2025.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Senate Bill 42 aims to transfer a child welfare program from the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) to the Department of Health (DOH). The bill also seeks to amend requirements for Plans of Safe Care and provides for rulemaking.
The press release states that Senate Bill 42 is designed to enhance New Mexico’s implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). The DOH will ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements, offer hospital training, and conduct home visits to connect families with services. In cases where there is disengagement from the plan, CYFD will be notified to ensure continued safety and care for the child. The bill is set for debate on the Senate Floor. Sponsors include Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, Senator Linda M. Trujillo, Senator Heather Berghmans, Senator Crystal Brantley, and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong.
"In a session full of CYFD legislation, this legislature has united in its common goal of protecting our children," said bill sponsor Michael Padilla in the press release. "This legislation is the most comprehensive reform of CYFD in decades. It contains five key provisions that will require full CARA implementation, establish criminal penalties for the assault or battery of child welfare workers, implementation of the federal Families First Act, full transparency of the work of the department, and insurance benefits for children in protective services. I am happy to also sponsor legislation that codifies our Fostering Connections program and provides a $6k a year tax credit to foster families."
The New Mexico Senate Democrats are led by Wirth as Majority Floor Leader for District 25 (Santa Fe), Mimi Stewart as Senate President Pro Tem for District 17 (Bernalillo), Michael Padilla as Majority Whip for District 14 (Bernalillo), and Leo Jaramillo as Majority Caucus Chair for District 5 (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and Santa Fe), according to their website.
