Education

SB 23 requires all New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of phones, tablets, and other wireless devices during the school day, with specific exceptions. These exceptions include using devices for educational purposes with teacher permission, managing health emergencies, or for accessibility tools like text-to-speech software required by a student’s individualized education plan. The bill also creates a $1 million annual grant program through the Education Technology Infrastructure Fund to support schools implementing this policy, allowing them to apply for funding to upgrade technology infrastructure. The policy must be published online by each school district and includes procedures for handling device confiscation during violations. This directly affects all public school students and staff in New Mexico’s 33 school districts.

HB 256 requires all New Mexico schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available during school athletic events. It mandates schools to create cardiac emergency response plans, install and maintain AEDs, and ensure they are clearly marked and accessible. The bill applies to all public non-charter high schools (by 2026-2027) and elementary, middle, charter, and private schools (by 2027-2028). Key provisions include requiring evidence-based response plans, AED maintenance, and staff training aligned with American Heart Association standards.

HB 30 modifies New Mexico's Teacher Residency Act by setting stipends for teaching residents as a percentage of the minimum salary for entry-level teachers (35% for undergraduates, 80% for those with bachelor's degrees). It allows teaching residents to work at any public school after completing their residency, not just the sponsoring district, and requires partner districts or charter schools to offer employment based on staffing needs and performance. This directly affects teaching residents, public school districts, and charter schools participating in the residency program. The bill updates payment structures and employment rules to increase flexibility for residents and districts.

SB 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, requires New Mexico public schools to use research-backed reading methods for students in kindergarten through third grade. It mandates annual literacy assessments for these students and provides interventions for those struggling with reading, while requiring schools to use approved instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices. The bill also sets new standards for teacher preparation programs, including 100+ hours of supervised field experience in structured literacy methods and training to identify reading difficulties. These changes directly affect K-3 students, public schools, literacy coaches, and teacher training programs across New Mexico.

HB 34 updates New Mexico's school nurse licensure rules to clarify that charter schools must follow the same requirements as public school districts. It establishes three license levels: Level One (a 3-year provisional license requiring mentorship and annual evaluations for new nurses without 3+ years of experience), Level Two (a 9-year license for nurses who complete Level One or have 3+ years of experience), and Level Three (a 9-year license requiring advanced education and leadership skills). The bill sets minimum salaries for each level equal to corresponding teacher salary grades and mandates annual competency reviews by school districts or charter schools. These changes apply to all school nurses employed in New Mexico public and charter schools starting July 1, 2026.