SANTA FE — Republican state senators are pressing the Legislature’s health committee to take up a conservative accountability agenda this interim, targeting the state’s troubled Children, Youth, & Families Department, stalled infant safety legislation, and gaps in rural healthcare access.
GOP members of the Legislative Health & Human Services Committee sent a pair of letters March 20 to committee Chair Sen. Liz Thomson and Vice-Chair Sen. Linda Lopez — both Democrats — formally requesting the panel study five areas during the 2026 interim: reforming CYFD, expanding Safe Haven Baby Boxes, joining interstate medical licensure compacts, leveraging federal rural health care funds, and allowing medical review board findings to be admitted as evidence in malpractice proceedings. The senators publicized the requests on Monday in a press release.
On CYFD, the senators are pressing for accountability following a New Mexico Department of Justice report that found systemic failures at the agency, which is also under investigation for alleged misuse of funds. The letter specifically flagged reunification practices not in children’s best interests, the failure of CARA plans to protect drug-exposed infants, a shortage of foster homes, and low staff morale.
“Unfortunately, CYFD is failing in its mission of caring for these vulnerable young people, so we are pushing for more action and accountability,” said Sen. Larry Scott, R-Hobbs, the ranking Republican on the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee.
On baby boxes, the senators argue that while the devices are increasingly available statewide, current law does not protect the anonymity of mothers who use them — leaving women fearful of prosecution and, they contend, driving some to more desperate measures. Senate Bill 206, which would have closed that gap, was introduced during the 30-day session but was never made germane by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, blocking its consideration. Senate Republican Caucus Chair David Gallegos, R-Eunice, who has long championed the issue, is again pressing the committee to act.
“We must do everything in our power to save these precious babies from winding up in dumpsters or portable toilets,” Gallegos said.
On healthcare, Sen. Rex Wilson, R-Ancho, a former health care administrator, acknowledged last session’s medical malpractice reform as a significant step but argued more work remains.
“Until New Mexico does a better job recruiting and retaining doctors, it’s no surprise that our families will struggle to get in to see a doctor,” Wilson said. “We still have work to do to improve healthcare access, especially in our rural communities.”
The LHHS interim work plan will be finalized at the committee’s organizational meeting next month.
