Bill > HB293

This bill establishes an "early childhood education and care department investigation team" within the state's Early Childhood Education and Care Department to investigate reports of critical incidents and serious critical incidents involving children in programs or facilities that receive funding from the department. A "critical incident" is defined as any action or inaction that affects a child's well-being or safety, while a "serious critical incident" involves violations of specific laws related to abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation of children. The team will be led by a coordinator responsible for managing incoming reports, assigning them to local investigation units, and ensuring collaboration with law enforcement. These investigation units must begin their work within 24 hours, conduct thorough inquiries including interviews and record reviews, and aim to complete investigations within 60 days, with provisions for extensions. The bill mandates that these facilities and their staff fully cooperate with investigations and prohibits retaliation. Upon completion, investigations will result in written findings, determining if allegations are substantiated, identifying concerns about caregivers or facilities, and notifying relevant parties, including the alleged victim's family, program administrators, and law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected. The department is also required to adopt rules to implement these provisions by September 30, 2026.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=293&year=26