The proposed bill enacts the Child Care Facility Licensing Act in New Mexico, establishing a regulatory framework that requires all child care facilities to obtain a license from the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. The bill grants the department the authority to conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce compliance through sanctions, including the revocation or suspension of licenses. It also allows license-exempt child care facilities to register with the department, treating their registration as a license for certain purposes, such as participation in federal child care assistance programs. The bill introduces civil penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance, and emphasizes immediate action to protect child health and safety.

In addition to licensing provisions, the bill amends various sections of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance early childhood education programs, particularly focusing on early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten initiatives. It establishes the need for universal and free access to these programs for all young children, including those with disabilities, and updates definitions related to participation criteria. The application process for providers is modified to a request for applications, detailing required information such as qualifications and strategies for supporting children with special needs. Furthermore, the bill mandates that funding agreements with providers prohibit the use of funds for religious purposes, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-23-2, 32A-23-3, 32A-23-4, 32A-23-6, 32A-23C-1, 32A-23C-2, 32A-23C-3
JU substitute: 32A-23-3, 32A-23-4, 32A-23-6, 32A-23C-1, 32A-23C-2, 32A-23C-3
PA substitute: 32A-23-2, 32A-23-3, 32A-23-4, 32A-23-6, 32A-23C-1, 32A-23C-2, 32A-23C-3