Education

SB 73 requires all approved driver education courses in New Mexico schools to include at least three hours of training on driving with vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and wheelchair users. This directly affects driver education schools, instructors, and students in public and private secondary schools across the state. The bill amends existing laws to mandate this specific training component as part of minimum course standards. It defines "vulnerable road users" broadly to include anyone not protected by a vehicle's structure, like those on bikes, scooters, or walking. The policy change aims to improve road safety awareness through standardized curriculum updates.

SB 64 creates a dedicated Office of Special Education within New Mexico's Public Education Department and establishes a Deputy Secretary for Special Education. It reorganizes existing special education laws into a new "Special Education Act," explicitly removing gifted students from the definition of special education services. The bill also redefines key terms like dyslexia and outlines the office's responsibilities for overseeing special education programs across all school districts, including charter schools. This structural change aims to streamline oversight and implementation of special education services statewide.