Bill > SB66

This bill amends the Criminal Offender Employment Act to clarify and expand exemptions for certain state agencies from the act's provisions. Specifically, the bill exempts law enforcement agencies, the early childhood education and care department (when screening child care facility applicants), agencies considering caregiver applicants subject to the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act, the children, youth and families department, and the public education department (when considering school personnel licensure). While these agencies are exempt from the act's general requirements, they are not prohibited from voluntarily adopting its policies. Importantly, the bill requires these exempt agencies to create and implement their own rules for criminal history screening to determine applicant eligibility. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, which suggests the lawmakers view these changes as urgent and necessary for public safety and effective hiring practices.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=66&year=25