Push for CYFD oversight commission gets through Senate Rules

SANTA FE — A resolution hoping to assign a committee and executive director to oversee the state Children, Youth and Families Department has stepped forward in the Roundhouse.

Senate Joint Resolution 6 would allow voters to amend the state Constitution to create a three-member commission to oversee and direct CYFD starting in 2026.

The governor, Senate president pro tempore and House speaker would each appoint a member for staggered, six-year terms. The commission would also be responsible, beginning July 2026, for hiring an executive director to oversee CYFD.

The Senate Rules Committee passed the measure with a 6-3 vote Friday morning. Three Democrats — Sens. Brenda McKenna of Corrales, Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque and Liz Stefanics of Cerrillos — voted against it.

Newly confirmed CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados showed up in opposition to the bill. She said the intentions of the resolution are good, but she believed it would spur even more staff turnover.

She said her job, heading a state agency that has received heavy criticism of inefficacy over past years, would be even more difficult than it already is if she had to report to a commission.

“Everybody wants to see us succeed and do better,” Casados said.

McKenna voted against the bill and said it’s a red flag the secretary doesn’t agree with this resolution.

“It would be a burden on her and her team,” she said.

Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, said she voted yes, not necessarily because this is the right approach. She said she doesn’t know what the right approach is, but this is an important discussion.

“I applaud you for trying to do something,” she said.

Resolutions amending the constitution don’t need a governor’s signature to pass, only the majority of the Legislature. If it gets through, it will go to New Mexico voters to decide in the November election or, if applicable, a special election.