New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico SM19: STUDY INDIAN CHILD WELFARE LAWS
Status: Introduced, February 4, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 4, 2026:
wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ SENATE MEMORIAL 57TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - SECOND SESSION, 2026 INTRODUCED BY Shannon D. Pinto A MEMORIAL REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY OF STATE LAWS REGARDING INDIAN CHILD WELFARE AND THEIR IMPACT ON NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. WHEREAS, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 established standards for the placement of Indian children in foster and adoptive homes and enabled tribes and families to be involved in child welfare cases; and WHEREAS, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 is intended to protect the best interests of Indian children in the child welfare system, preserve tribal culture and guarantee tribal jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, states may solidify or expand on the provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act through state laws; and WHEREAS, since 1978, seventeen states have passed their .233681.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ own Indian Child Welfare Acts; and WHEREAS, in 2022, New Mexico passed the Indian Family Protection Act; and WHEREAS, Native American children in New Mexico remain in foster care for longer periods of time than non-Native American children; and WHEREAS, provisions contained in the laws of other states relating to Native American children in foster care could provide guidance on how New Mexico …
Sponsors
- Shannon D. Pinto (D, SD-003) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Sent to SRC - Referrals: SRC/SIRC
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Subjects: NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS, MEMORIALS, OTHER
Common questions
- What is SM19?
- SM19 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): STUDY INDIAN CHILD WELFARE LAWS.
- What is the status of SM19?
- Introduced as of February 4, 2026. Latest action: Sent to SRC - Referrals: SRC/SIRC (February 4, 2026).
- Who sponsored SM19?
- Shannon D. Pinto (D, SD-003).
- Where is the official record for SM19?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=M&legNo=19&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.