The proposed "Exclusionary Practices Act" aims to limit the expulsion and suspension of children in early pre-kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs, as well as licensed child care facilities in New Mexico. The bill defines key terms such as "enrolling entity," "expulsion," "in-school suspension," "out-of-school suspension," and "soft expulsion." It prohibits enrolling entities from expelling or suspending children for behavioral or disciplinary reasons, with specific exceptions for cases involving willful bodily harm or threats. Additionally, planned transitions agreed upon by parents and enrolling entities are not considered suspensions or expulsions, and any request for a child to be removed for disciplinary reasons is classified as an out-of-school suspension.

The bill also establishes reporting requirements for enrolling entities to report any disenrollment, expulsion, or suspension to the early childhood education and care department. Furthermore, it grants rulemaking authority to the department to implement the provisions of the act. The effective date for the act is set for July 1, 2025.