The "Office of Child Ombud Act" establishes a new Office of Child Ombud in New Mexico, tasked with overseeing state services for children and families. The legislation details the appointment of a state child ombud for a six-year term and the formation of a selection committee comprising nine members with diverse political backgrounds and expertise in child welfare. The office will have the authority to review complaints, investigate child welfare issues, and issue annual reports on service provision. It will also maintain confidentiality of records, train and certify staff, and inform families about its services. Additionally, the office can subpoena witnesses in cases of child fatalities or near fatalities and will provide accessible information through a dedicated website.

The bill amends existing laws regarding the confidentiality of records related to child neglect or abuse, allowing the Office of Child Ombud and its employees and contractors to access these records for the implementation of the act. It mandates that any disclosures to children or other parties must redact identifying information of victims or witnesses and establishes penalties for the unlawful release of confidential information, classifying such actions as a petty misdemeanor. The legislation includes an appropriation of one million dollars from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 to establish the office, with provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and improve the quality of services for vulnerable children and families in New Mexico while protecting their records.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-2-32, 32A-4-33