Mimi Stewart, Senate President Pro Tem | Senate Democrats
The New Mexico Senate has passed several bills and memorials, marking significant legislative progress. A key bill aims to enhance the state's implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). The legislation replaces "plan of care" with "plan of safe care" to align with federal statutes and designates the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead agency for managing care coordination for substance-exposed newborns. DOH will ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements, provide hospital training, and conduct home visits to connect families with necessary services. Additionally, the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) must be notified if there is any disengagement from the plan.
“In a session full of CYFD legislation, this legislature has united in its common goal of protecting our children,” said Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D – Albuquerque). “This legislation is the most comprehensive reform of CYFD in decades. It contains key provisions that will require full CARA implementation, implementation of the federal Families First Act, full transparency of the work of the department, and insurance benefits for children in protective services.”
Senate Bill 42 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Its sponsors include Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, Senator Linda M. Trujillo, Senator Heather Berghmans, Senator Liz Stefanics, and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong.
In another unanimous decision (39-0), the Senate approved a measure sponsored by Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee Chair Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces) to support rural utility infrastructure development. Senate Bill 357 addresses demand for improvements such as broadband, energy, water, and wastewater services in rural areas by creating a framework for project approval and fund management.
“This bipartisan supported bill demonstrates the positive statewide impact good legislation can have when legislators put their communities first,” said Senator Hamblen. “I am proud to work with my colleagues throughout our great state, collaborating on good legislation that will provide basic services to every New Mexican who needs assistance.”
Another piece of legislation expands eligibility for police service in New Mexico to non-citizens legally authorized to work in the U.S., sponsored by former DACA recipient Senator Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo).
“Senate Bill 364 recognizes that our immigrant family members, neighbors and friends are an integral and valuable part of our community and our workforce,” said Senator Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo). “Public safety starts with having police officers in our communities available to help and respond to our residents’ needs. This measure allows our immigrant community members to achieve their full potential in our state in a way that helps us address a critical shortage.”
The Senate also unanimously passed Senate Bill 327 creating a Lowrider Capital of the World License Plate honoring Española Valley.
“Many people asked if I was wasting my time by trying to get this license plate bill passed," said Senate Majority Caucus Chair Leo Jaramillo (D-Española). "But what I know about my Española Valley is that we love where we come from."
Several memorials were considered:
- Senate Joint Memorial 3 on higher education bilingual faculties
- Senate Memorial 9 on language improvement
- Senate Memorial 22 on K-12 water conservation curriculum
These memorials express official sentiments but are nonbinding.
Additional business included:
- Passing Senate Bill 434 on math and reading academic support
- Concurring with House amendments on Game Commission Reform
- Passing House Joint Resolution 2 eliminating pocket vetoes
Lastly, Senator Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales discussed celebrating March 13 as Bolo Tie Day in New Mexico.
