Senate Memorial 19 requests the New Mexico Attorney General to conduct a study on state laws related to Indian child welfare and their effects on Native American children in foster care. The memorial highlights the importance of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which aims to protect the interests of Indian children and preserve tribal culture. It notes that despite the passage of the Indian Family Protection Act in 2022, Native American children in New Mexico continue to experience longer stays in foster care compared to their non-Native counterparts. The memorial suggests that examining laws from other states could provide valuable insights for improving New Mexico's approach to Indian child welfare.

The resolution calls for the Attorney General to collaborate with the Children, Youth and Families Department and the Indian Affairs Department to carry out this study. It also stipulates that the findings and recommendations from the study should be reported to the relevant interim legislative committees by October 1, 2026. Additionally, copies of the memorial will be sent to the Attorney General, the Secretary of Children, Youth and Families, and the Secretary of Indian Affairs.