Universal child care clears NM House, heads back to Senate for final approval

Universal child care clears NM House, heads back to Senate for final approval

Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), a co-sponsor of a bill funding New Mexico’s universal child care program, said the legislation “creates predictability” for families, providers and the state, during House floor debate on Feb. 17, 2026.(Danielle Prokop/Source NM)The New Mexico House of Representatives late Tuesday night passed a measure for a universal child care program to serve an estimated 60,000 children, which would only enact copays for…

New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate

The New Mexico House passed SB 241 establishing a universal child care program for 60,000 children, funded by up to $700 million from a state trust fund. The measure now heads back to the Senate. The post New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate appeared first on Brant.One.

House Passes Universal Childcare Bill With Key Amendments

HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE SB 241 builds on New Mexico’s transformative multi-billion-dollar investments in early childhood education and care to establish a sustainable, high-quality universal childcare system that prioritizes families in need and supports educators  Today, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of Senate Bill 241: the Childcare Assistance Program Act, which codifies New Mexico’s universal childcare program in…