Senate Memorial 32 requests the Legislative Finance Committee to conduct a study on transportation barriers faced by students in foster care in New Mexico. The memorial highlights the significant impact of transportation issues on school attendance for these students, who miss twice as many school days compared to their peers. It emphasizes the need for school districts and charter schools to develop written procedures for providing transportation to students in foster care, ensuring they can remain in their schools of origin. The memorial also notes the complexities surrounding funding and reimbursement for transportation costs, which can leave schools uncertain about financial support.

The study requested by the memorial aims to identify existing barriers to providing adequate transportation for foster care students, analyze recent proposals for reimbursements and tax credits, and recommend strategies for comprehensive funding solutions. The Legislative Finance Committee is tasked with delivering a report on its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2026. This initiative underscores the importance of reliable transportation for the well-being and educational stability of students in foster care.