Bill > HB84

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to strengthen protections for children, particularly newborns, by expanding the definition of child abuse and establishing new procedures for substance-exposed newborns. Key provisions include defining a "newborn" as a child less than seventy-two hours old and classifying exposure of a child to Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances as child abuse, with specific exceptions for lawful use of Schedule II substances during pregnancy. The bill also adds exposure to the use of fentanyl as evidence of child abuse and mandates the creation of "plans of safe care" for newborns affected by prenatal drug exposure, outlining necessary support and services. Furthermore, it requires healthcare providers to report concerns about a newborn's safety to the Children, Youth and Families Department's central intake system, which will then assess the plan of safe care and potentially initiate investigations if the newborn's needs are not being met. The bill also clarifies when a newborn can be taken into temporary protective custody, generally requiring a court order unless there's an immediate emergency or exposure to illegal drug manufacturing. Finally, it updates the definition of a "neglected child" to include failure to comply with a plan of safe care.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=84&year=26