NM SB67

Establishes "best interests of the child" as the primary and controlling standard for all judicial and Children, Youth and Families Department decisions in abuse and neglect cases, with child health and safety superseding all other considerations including family reunification

Defines a ranked hierarchy for determining best interests: (1) protection from abuse/neglect, (2) safe and permanent living arrangement, (3) mental/physical/emotional development, and (4) stable family unit, broadly defined to include adoptive or other permanent caregivers beyond biological family

Expands the definition of "aggravated circumstances" to include aggravated physical neglect and convictions for serious crimes against children (murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault/battery, criminal sexual penetration/contact)

Requires courts to make written findings at custody, disposition, judicial review, and permanency hearings explaining why the selected placement serves the child's best interests and why higher-priority placements were rejected

Requires CYFD to adopt rules implementing the act by September 30, 2026, and specifies the provisions apply to all pending and new cases as of the effective date