NM HM58

Requests the Legislative Education Study Committee and Legislative Finance Committee to study whether public school transportation barriers contribute to chronic absenteeism during the 2026 legislative interim

More than 124,000 New Mexico students missed at least 18 school days during the 2023-2024 school year, with chronic absenteeism remaining high since the 2020 public health emergency

Study would examine transportation barriers affecting students in rural areas, charter schools, and those living within close distance of schools who are not required to receive bus services under current state law

Committees would identify innovative strategies from other states, including bus route optimization, transportation partnerships, and technology-assisted planning that have reduced absenteeism

Findings and recommendations for legislative or executive action due by December 31, 2026