HB 120 limits the use of physical restraint and seclusion in New Mexico public schools. It bans chemical, mechanical, prone restraint, and unsupervised seclusion, allowing physical restraint or seclusion only when a student poses imminent serious harm and less restrictive options fail. Schools must train staff in de-escalation and positive behavior strategies, document all restraint/seclusion use, and create safety plans with input from special education experts. The bill directly affects all public school students in New Mexico by restricting potentially harmful interventions and requiring staff to prioritize safer alternatives.
HB 256 requires all New Mexico schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available during school athletic events. It mandates schools to create cardiac emergency response plans, install and maintain AEDs, and ensure they are clearly marked and accessible. The bill applies to all public non-charter high schools (by 2026-2027) and elementary, middle, charter, and private schools (by 2027-2028). Key provisions include requiring evidence-based response plans, AED maintenance, and staff training aligned with American Heart Association standards.
HB 47 amends New Mexico law to change how school districts and charter schools cover insurance costs for their employees. It requires these entities to pay at least 80% of insurance costs for employees earning under $50,000 annually, 70% for those earning $50,000-$60,000, and 60% for those earning over $60,000. The bill also mandates a study on the long-term sustainability of these insurance programs and includes provisions for cost-containment measures in health benefit plans. This directly affects public school employees and school districts across New Mexico, shifting their contribution responsibilities compared to current law.
HB 30 modifies New Mexico's Teacher Residency Act by setting stipends for teaching residents as a percentage of the minimum salary for entry-level teachers (35% for undergraduates, 80% for those with bachelor's degrees). It allows teaching residents to work at any public school after completing their residency, not just the sponsoring district, and requires partner districts or charter schools to offer employment based on staffing needs and performance. This directly affects teaching residents, public school districts, and charter schools participating in the residency program. The bill updates payment structures and employment rules to increase flexibility for residents and districts.
HB 8 creates a $300 million Higher Education Major Projects Fund in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by a transfer from the general fund. The bill allows state universities and community colleges to use these funds for major construction projects, including research facilities costing $50 million or more, student housing, and student life facilities like recreation centers. It requires institutions to cover 25-50% of project costs through non-state sources (like donations or bonds), with waivers possible if institutions cannot afford matches. Initial priorities include $150 million for a new UNM medical school, $50 million for a NMSU building, and $100 million for student housing statewide.
HB 34 updates New Mexico's school nurse licensure rules to clarify that charter schools must follow the same requirements as public school districts. It establishes three license levels: Level One (a 3-year provisional license requiring mentorship and annual evaluations for new nurses without 3+ years of experience), Level Two (a 9-year license for nurses who complete Level One or have 3+ years of experience), and Level Three (a 9-year license requiring advanced education and leadership skills). The bill sets minimum salaries for each level equal to corresponding teacher salary grades and mandates annual competency reviews by school districts or charter schools. These changes apply to all school nurses employed in New Mexico public and charter schools starting July 1, 2026.
