How SB 56 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill creates the Child Welfare Authority and transfers responsibilities, powers, and resources from the Children, Youth and Families Department to this new authority.

• Section 32A-1-4

  C. "authority" or "department" means the child welfare authority; → C. "authority" means the child welfare authority;

  The definition of 'authority' is refined to specify that it only refers to the Child Welfare Authority.

• Section 32A-1-4

  H. "department" means the children, youth and families department, unless otherwise specified; → H. "department" means the child welfare authority, unless otherwise specified;

  The definition of 'department' is updated to refer to the new Child Welfare Authority.

• 32A-1A-1. [NEW MATERIAL] SHORT TITLE.--Chapter 32A, Article 1A NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Child Welfare Authority Act".

  A new short title for the Child Welfare Authority Act is established.

• 32A-1A-2. [NEW MATERIAL] PURPOSE OF CHILD WELFARE AUTHORITY.--The purpose of the authority is to: A. provide an independent, accredited state agency governed by a board of regents to administer the state's child welfare and juvenile justice programs formerly administered by the children, youth and families department and other child and family programs assigned to it by law; and B. cooperate and collaborate with other state agencies and institutions, judicial agencies and courts, school districts and local governments to establish a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated child welfare system.

  The purpose of the Child Welfare Authority is defined, including its responsibilities and collaborative role.

• 32A-1A-3. [NEW MATERIAL] CHILD WELFARE AUTHORITY CREATED--BOARD OF REGENTS--MEMBERSHIP--DUTIES.--A. The "child welfare authority" is created as an adjunct agency of the executive branch of state government. The authority shall be governed by the board of regents. B. The "board of regents" of the authority is created and consists of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. No more than four members shall be appointed from the same political party.

  The bill establishes the Child Welfare Authority as an executive branch agency and creates a governing board of regents.