HB 26 prohibits public libraries in New Mexico (operated by state, county, or municipality) from removing or banning books based on content disagreement or protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation. It requires libraries to create written procedures for challenging materials deemed obscene or unlawful, while banning retaliation against staff who refuse to remove books due to policy compliance. The law also blocks funding cuts or disciplinary action against libraries or staff for adhering to these rules, and libraries violating the ban lose eligibility for state funding. Enforcement falls to the Library Division of the Cultural Affairs Department, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 45 requires New Mexico's public colleges and universities to establish clear policies for managing library resources, including how to handle removal requests. The bill prohibits libraries from removing books, digital materials, or other resources based on the content's author, topic, or audience (e.g., race, gender, or political views), and mandates that only students may request removals. Libraries must follow a uniform process involving written decisions explaining the reasoning, review the resource as a whole, and wait for final approval before removal - preventing snap decisions. The policy also protects library staff from retaliation for refusing to remove materials before a final decision or acting in good faith under the rules. Institutions must adopt these policies by September 1, 2026.
SB 49 creates a three-year pilot program in New Mexico public schools to test a voluntary rating system for library materials based on age-appropriateness. Participating school districts and charter schools must implement the rating system, publish rated materials for parents, and administer a department-approved survey to measure parent engagement and trust. Each selected school receives $25,000 upon selection and another $25,000 after completing the survey phase, with $3.21 million allocated from the public education reform fund for the project. The program requires geographic diversity in participant selection and mandates annual reports to the legislative education committee, focusing on evaluating how the rating system impacts parent-school relationships.
HB 118 creates a three-year pilot program to provide specialized biliteracy training for teachers working with at-risk students (defined as economically disadvantaged, English language learners, Native American, or students with disabilities) in New Mexico public schools. The bill requires the Public Education Department to select 125 teachers in year one, increasing to 500 by year three, prioritizing schools with high bilingual enrollment and existing bilingual programs. Training focuses on teaching reading/writing in two languages (biliteracy), cross-language communication (transliteracy), and integrating multiple communication modes (multiliteracy), with mandatory annual reports on student outcomes and teacher development. The program is funded with $6.645 million from the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029.
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.
