The proposed bill establishes the "Children, Youth and Families Commission" and the "Children, Youth and Families Department," transitioning the department from a cabinet-level agency to an adjunct agency. The commission will consist of three members appointed by the governor, the speaker of the house, and the president pro tempore of the senate, with specific qualifications and staggered terms. It will oversee the department's operations, appoint the superintendent, and ensure compliance with relevant laws. The bill also introduces new provisions for the department, including developing service priorities, maintaining a statewide database, and implementing a strategic plan for service delivery.

Additionally, the bill includes significant amendments to the Children's Code, such as replacing "council" with "commission" and introducing terms like "plan of safe care" and "protective supervision." It creates a juvenile continuum grant fund to support local and tribal governments and outlines the qualifications and powers of department correctional officers. The bill also mandates criminal history checks for employees and volunteers with unsupervised contact with clients. Several existing sections of the New Mexico Statutes will be repealed to streamline the legal framework, with the provisions taking effect on January 1, 2028, contingent upon the certification of a constitutional amendment that allows for the commission's creation.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-4, 32A-1A-7, 32A-22-2