New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico SB232: DETERMINE COMPETENCY OF A CHILD
Status: In committee, February 3, 2026
What the bill says
An act relating to competency; providing for the determination of competency of a child.
From the introduced text, February 3, 2026:
AN ACT RELATING TO COMPETENCY; PROVIDING FOR THE DETERMINATION OF COMPETENCY OF A CHILD. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] DETERMINATION OF COMPETENCY OF A CHILD.-- A. The question of competency of a child may be raised by the court or by written motion of either party to the proceeding, accompanied by any documents supporting the motion. B. The court may order a determination of a child's competency if the court finds that a compelling reason exists to evaluate and determine competency. The age of the child shall not alone be a compelling reason. C. When determining competency for a child defendant, the child shall be presumed to be competent. .233237.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ D. Upon the court ordering a determination of competency of a child, the child's competency shall be evaluated by an independent child psychologist recognized by the court as an expert. E. The determination of competency shall include: (1) an evaluation of the child's ability to understand relevant information; (2) an assessment of the child's ability to appreciate the consequences of choices; (3) a measurement of the child's reasoning skills in weighing options and outcomes; and (4) the child's ability to express a choice clearly. F. As used in this section, "child" …
Sponsors
- Brantley, Crystal (R, 35) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SHPAC/SJC
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Subjects: COURTS (judges, DAs, public defenders), CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Common questions
- What is SB232?
- SB232 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): DETERMINE COMPETENCY OF A CHILD.
- What does SB232 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to competency; providing for the determination of competency of a child.
- What is the status of SB232?
- In committee as of February 3, 2026. Latest action: Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SHPAC/SJC (February 3, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB232?
- Brantley, Crystal (R, 35).
- Where is the official record for SB232?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=B&legNo=232&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.