NM HB86

Creates a three-member Children, Youth and Families Commission appointed by the governor, speaker of the house, and president pro tempore of the senate, with six-year staggered terms and no more than two members from the same political party

Transforms the Children, Youth and Families Department from a cabinet department to an independent adjunct agency of the executive branch, with the commission establishing operational policy and appointing a superintendent to manage daily operations

Commission members must have at least 10 years' experience in social work, child psychology, behavioral health, juvenile justice, or child welfare law, while superintendent candidates require at least 7 years' experience in child welfare or juvenile justice

Establishes a Juvenile Continuum Grant Fund for awarding grants to local and tribal governments for juvenile justice services and alternatives to detention, with grants limited to 60% of annual costs requiring a 40% local match

Contingent effective date requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment; commission appointments by July 1, 2027, and full transition to adjunct agency status by January 1, 2028