Moving into the final two weeks of the legislative session, the New Mexico Senate convened for a Saturday floor session on March 8, 2025. The session saw several bills being discussed and passed.
Senate Bill 480 was passed unanimously with a vote of 36-0. This bill aims to increase awareness about educational opportunities for individuals who have not graduated from high school within four years of entering ninth grade. It mandates the Public Education Department to create a directory for education providers to support these individuals in attaining a high school diploma, high school equivalency credential, or workforce credentials.
"I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to make sure students and families from nontraditional backgrounds are aware that specialized services are available to them," said Senate Bill 480 sponsor Senator Cindy Nava (D-Albuquerque). "Senate Bill 480 makes clear it’s never too late to chase and achieve your academic goals, and the state of New Mexico is here to help every step of the way."
"We all know that education has a huge impact on cycles of poverty. This bill will open up doors for our youth, and this will be another tool in New Mexico’s toolbox to empower our next generation to greatness," added Senate Bill 480 co-sponsor Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe).
Other business discussed included Senate Bill 39, which adds classes to prior authorization drugs and passed with a vote of 34-0, and Senate Bill 252 concerning social work telehealth services, also passing with a vote of 34-0.
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