"CITIZEN SCIENCE DAY"

Senate Memorial 13, introduced by Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, is a non-binding request asking the governor to declare a "Citizen Science Day" and urging state agencies to expand community-led environmental monitoring. It specifically directs the Public Education Department, Outdoor Recreation Division, Higher Education Department, and Department of Agriculture to review a working group report and integrate citizen science initiatives, especially for youth. The bill aims to engage New Mexico residents - particularly students - in collecting data on local environmental issues like water quality and wildlife, while supporting state agencies that manage public lands. It does not create new laws or funding but seeks to formalize existing collaboration efforts highlighted in a 2024 agency report. The bill was referred to committees but was later postponed indefinitely.