(SANTA FE, NM) – The New Mexico Senate convened for a regular floor session on March 14, 2025. Business conducted today includes:
Allowing the Consideration of Misdemeanors in the Employment of those Serving Vulnerable Populations
Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), passed the New Mexico Senate by a vote of 35-0. Under the Criminal Offender Employment Act (COEA), employers aren’t allowed to consider prior misdemeanor offenses in employment or licensing decisions. This bill makes an exception to allow for the consideration of such offenses in the employment of those working specifically with vulnerable populations, such as the Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD), the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), or employment as a caregiver.
“It’s imperative that we provide these protections for children and vulnerable adults receiving care in New Mexico. Allowing some government entities and agencies to consider certain misdemeanor convictions when conducting background clearances and licenses for caregivers will do just that,” said bill sponsor Katy Duhigg.
Eliminating Cost Burdens for Parolees
By a vote of 25-11, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 375 sponsored by Senator Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque). This legislation seeks to eliminate unnecessary financial burdens placed on parolees and provide pathways for early release for minimum-risk offenders. SB 375 removes the requirement for parole service fees and incentivizes rehabilitation through meritorious deductions by requiring active participation in approved programs.
“Senate Bill 375 is the culmination of years of dialog between the legislature and the Department of Corrections. It advances probation and parole reform to help lower recidivism and hold people accountable,” said bill sponsor Senator Antonio “Moe” Maestas.
Creating an independent Office of the Child Advocate
House Bill 5, passed on a vote of 28-13, would create an independent Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) to oversee child welfare in New Mexico. As an impartial public official, the Child Advocate would receive and investigate complaints related to children’s services at CYFD and state agencies and inform the public, legislature, and governor about opportunities for improvement.
The OCA would also review CYFD’s policies and procedures, provide children and families with information about their rights, operate a toll-free hotline to receive complaints, and compile and report independent data, among other duties.
The Child Advocate would be appointed by the governor from a list of candidates submitted by a 7-member selection committee. The Office of Child Advocate would be independent and autonomous but would be administratively attached to the New Mexico Department of Justice.
Confirmations:
The New Mexico Senate confirmed the following appointments by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham:
- JAMIE ANN SIBSON– Appointment as Member of the New Mexico School of the Blind and Visually Impaired Board of Regents (Confirmed 34-0)
- AGNES JOSEPHINE VALLEJOS – Reappointment as Member of the New Mexico School of the Blind and Visually Impaired Board of Regents (Confirmed 35-0)
- STEVEN PAUL NEVILLE – Appointment as Member of Western New Mexico University Board of Regents (Confirmed 32-0)
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 383 – FLOOD RECOVERY BONDS & GROSS RECEIPTS (39-0)
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