New Mexico SB216: CERTIFICATE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES

What the bill says

An act making an appropriation to the public education department to issue certificates to persons proficient in a native american language and culture of an indian nation, tribe or pueblo located wholly or partially in new mexico.

From the introduced text, February 2, 2026:

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES TO PERSONS PROFICIENT IN A NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OF AN INDIAN NATION, TRIBE OR PUEBLO LOCATED WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY IN NEW MEXICO. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2027 to issue certificates pursuant to Section 22-10A-13 NMSA 1978 to persons proficient in a Native American language and culture of an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo located wholly or partially in New Mexico. Any unexpended balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2027 shall revert to the general fund. .233414.1

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Shannon D. Pinto (D, SD-003) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. February 12, 2026: SIRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
2. February 3, 2026: SCC: Reported by committee to fall within the purview of a 30 day session
3. February 2, 2026: Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SIRC/SFC
4. : Action Postponed Indefinitely

Common questions

What is SB216?

SB216 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): CERTIFICATE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES.

What does SB216 do?

In its own words: An act making an appropriation to the public education department to issue certificates to persons proficient in a native american language and culture of an indian nation, tribe or pueblo located wholly or partially in new mexico.

What is the status of SB216?

In committee as of February 12, 2026. Latest action: SIRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation (February 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB216?

Shannon D. Pinto (D, SD-003).

Where is the official record for SB216?

On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=B&legNo=216&year=26