CREATE CHILD WELFARE AUTHORITY

SB 56 creates a new Child Welfare Authority in New Mexico to replace the current Children, Youth and Families Department. The bill transfers all funds, property, contracts, and legal references from the existing department to this new authority and updates definitions throughout state law to reflect the change (e.g., replacing "department" with "authority" in relevant sections). It does not alter substantive child welfare standards or services but reorganizes the administrative structure overseeing these services. The bill is currently under review by Senate committees as of January 21, 2026.