Santa Fe, NM – Today in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Bill 42, a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to improve the state’s child welfare system, passed unanimously on a vote of 9-0. The committee substitute for the original bill now includes critical measures aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and supporting those who work in child welfare services. The legislation is now a bi-partisan effort led by sponsor Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D – Albuquerque). Senator Padilla grew up in foster homes and the All Faiths Receiving Home in Albuquerque.
The bill strengthens the state’s implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). This includes replacing the term “plan of care” with “plan of safe care” to align with federal statutes, and designating the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead agency in managing care coordination for substance-exposed newborns. DOH will be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal reporting requirements, providing training for hospitals, and conducting home visits to help connect families with necessary services. Additionally, CYFD will be required to be notified of any disengagement from the plan to ensure continued safety and care for the child.
“In a session full of CYFD legislation, this legislature has united in its common goal of protecting our children,” said bill sponsor Michael Padilla. “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.”
Senate Bill 42 next goes to the Senate Floor for debate. The bill’s sponsors include Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, Senator Linda M. Trujillo, Senator Heather Berghmans, Senator Crystal Brantley, and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong.
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