New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico SM16: DATA ON PARENTING STUDENTS IN HIGHER ED.
Status: Passed both chambers, February 14, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, February 14, 2026:
A MEMORIAL REQUESTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY, DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AND DRAFT LEGISLATION FOR COLLECTING DATA ON PARENTING STUDENTS IN THE NEW MEXICO HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM. WHEREAS, in 2023, New Mexico had the third highest poverty rate in the nation, and an estimated forty-six percent of households were below the asset limited, income constrained, employed threshold; and WHEREAS, New Mexico's labor force participation rate is lower than the United States average; and WHEREAS, labor force participation rates increase as educational attainment increases; and WHEREAS, in 2024, one in three New Mexico college students were parents or were expecting to be parents according to a survey conducted by Santa Fe community college's early childhood center of excellence; and WHEREAS, in 2023, New Mexico's child poverty rate was nearly twenty-three percent; and WHEREAS, on average, the children of mothers who complete a degree are more likely to graduate high school and get a college degree themselves; and WHEREAS, the opportunity scholarship and government results and opportunity program fund funding have opened new SM Page pathways to educational attainment for adult learners in New Mexico; and WHEREAS, through the programs, the New Mexico legislature has demonstrated a commitment to providing necessary supports and resources for adult learners to succeed; and WHEREAS, even with these measures, parenting …
Sponsors
- Leo Jaramillo (D, SD-005) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Signed by one or both houses (for legislation not requiring Governor's signature)
- : Passed in the Senate - Y:40 N:0
- : SEC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
- : SRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
- : Sent to SRC - Referrals: SRC/SEC
Subjects: MEMORIALS, OTHER, EDUCATION, POST SECONDARY
Common questions
- What is SM16?
- SM16 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): DATA ON PARENTING STUDENTS IN HIGHER ED.
- What is the status of SM16?
- Passed both chambers as of February 14, 2026. Latest action: Signed by one or both houses (for legislation not requiring Governor's signature) (February 14, 2026).
- Who sponsored SM16?
- Leo Jaramillo (D, SD-005).
- Where is the official record for SM16?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=M&legNo=16&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.