Education

SB 54 reduces the frequency of mandatory trainings for New Mexico school personnel from annual requirements to one-time training upon hiring. It specifically modifies anti-racism training (Section 22-10A-19.3), changing it from "each year" to "within the first year of employment," and similarly adjusts requirements for child abuse reporting, diabetes care, and bullying prevention trainings to initial employment only. The bill directly affects all school employees, volunteers, contractors, and school nurses who provide student care. Key mechanisms include removing annual renewal mandates while maintaining initial training content on topics like trauma-informed practices, diabetes emergency response, and anti-racism principles. This change reduces ongoing administrative burden for schools but maintains foundational training standards for staff.

SB 65 requires New Mexico school districts (including charter schools) to create written policies for managing public school libraries, ensuring fair access to books and materials. It prohibits schools from removing library resources based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or sexual orientation, and mandates a strict process for any removal requests - including requiring written decisions, limiting removals to once every two years, and reviewing entire resources, not just parts. School librarians and staff are protected from retaliation for following these policies or refusing to remove materials before a formal decision is made. This bill directly affects school districts, library staff, and students/parents who may request changes to library collections.

SB 191, the Seizure Safe Schools Act, requires New Mexico schools to provide trained staff for students with seizure disorders. It mandates annual training for all school employees (including bus drivers) on recognizing seizures and first aid by December 2026, and ensures each school with affected students has at least two trained personnel (school nurses or volunteers) to administer medications and use medical devices. Schools must implement individualized "seizure action plans" provided by parents, detailing medical needs, accommodations, and emergency protocols for all school activities. The bill applies directly to students with seizure disorders, school staff, and school boards, focusing on concrete safety protocols rather than policy debates. (Note: This is a proposed bill pending in committee as of January 2026.)

HB 191 appropriates $530,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Public Education Department for fiscal year 2027. The funding will contract with an LGBTQ+-focused education organization to develop inclusive curricula, improve educator training, and expand outreach specifically in rural schools. This directly affects public schools and LGBTQ+ students in New Mexico by aiming to improve their engagement and academic outcomes through targeted support programs. The bill requires the organization to create a plan addressing curriculum, teacher training, and rural school support networks.

SB 107 appropriates $20 million from the general fund annually to fund after-school and enrichment programs for school-age youth across New Mexico. The bill allocates $10 million specifically for school districts, charter schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and tribally controlled schools, and $10 million for nonprofit community organizations providing such programs. Unspent funds at year-end will not revert to the general fund, ensuring ongoing support for these services. This bill directly affects students in public schools and community-based programs by expanding access to structured out-of-school time activities.