NM HB293

Creates an Early Childhood Education and Care Department Investigation Team to investigate critical incidents and serious critical incidents involving children at programs or facilities receiving department funds

Requires investigations to commence within 24 hours of assignment and be completed within 60 days, including interviews with victims, witnesses, and staff, review of records and video/audio recordings, and site visits

Mandates that programs and facilities provide immediate, unrestricted access to alleged victims, staff, premises, and records, and prohibits obstruction or retaliation against those who participate in investigations

Defines "serious critical incidents" as violations of the Abuse and Neglect Act, Sexual Exploitation of Children Act, criminal child abuse statutes (Sections 30-6-3, 30-6-4, 30-9-11 through 30-9-13 NMSA 1978), or department rules

Requires the department to adopt implementing rules by September 30, 2026