STUDY INDIAN CHILD WELFARE LAWS

Senate Memorial 19, introduced by Senator Shannon D. Pinto, requests the New Mexico Attorney General to study state laws on Indian child welfare and their impact on Native American children in foster care. The study will examine how other states' approaches affect Native American children in foster care, with the Attorney General consulting the Children, Youth and Families Department and Indian Affairs Department. The Attorney General must report findings and recommendations to the legislature by October 1, 2026, to inform potential improvements to New Mexico's system. This memorial does not change current law but seeks to gather data for future policy decisions.