NM SB231

Office of Child Advocate must conduct a study every five years beginning in fiscal year 2027 evaluating costs and reimbursement rates for community-based foster care placements and treatments, including payments to resource families for food, clothing, shelter, supervision, and school supplies

Office must conduct a separate study every six years reviewing costs of legal representation for children in CYFD custody due to abuse and neglect allegations, covering hourly rates, investigative costs, evaluations, and trial preparation expenses

Initial study reports due to the Legislative Finance Committee by December 1, 2026, with subsequent studies due by December 1 of the year conducted; reports must be redacted to protect confidentiality

Appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to the Office of Child Advocate for fiscal year 2027 to conduct both studies, with unexpended funds reverting to the general fund

Effective date is July 1, 2026