“Children First” Child Advocate Bill Passes the Senate

Senate Republicans applaud broad, bipartisan support

SANTA FE — Today, the Senate passed Senate Bill 373 on a 30-8 bipartisan vote. The bill, introduced by Senator David Gallegos (R-Eunice), Senator Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte), and Senator Leo Jaramillo (D-Espanola), creates an independent accountability office for the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) housed in the Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Child Advocate would review systemic issues in CYFD, receive complaints, make appropriate referrals, and investigate complaints.