Bill > SB5

This bill establishes a new Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Secretary Nominating Commission to oversee the selection and evaluation of the department's top executive. The commission will consist of five members appointed by key legislative leaders and the attorney general, each serving four-year terms and meeting specific qualifications, including being a New Mexico resident with a master's degree or law degree and at least ten years of personnel management experience. The commission will be responsible for actively soliciting and evaluating applications for the CYFD secretary position, submitting a list of 3-5 recommended candidates to the governor within 30 days of convening, from which the governor must select a secretary within 60 days. The bill also sets requirements for the secretary, including having a graduate degree, at least ten years of executive leadership experience, and budget management skills. Additionally, the commission will meet quarterly to evaluate the secretary's performance and provide annual reports to the governor and legislature, with the power to recommend the secretary's removal if deemed necessary. Initial appointments to the commission are to be made before July 1, 2026, with the first commission meeting scheduled before September 1, 2026.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=5&year=25s