ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed four education bills into law, cementing several years of statewide investment in literacy, math instruction, special education oversight, and school employee insurance.
The legislation passed with near‑unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
SB 37 — High Quality Literacy Instruction
SB 37 makes structured, evidence‑based literacy instruction part of state law. It requires K–3 reading assessments, mandates parental notification when a student struggles, and provides literacy coaches in schools across New Mexico.
The state has invested more than $60 million in literacy since 2019, including training over 10,000 educators. Reading proficiency among grades 3–8 has risen by 10 percentage points since 2022, with historically underserved groups posting the largest gains.
SB 29 — Strengthening Math Instruction
SB 29 raises math‑related coursework requirements for all teacher licensure levels and directs the Public Education Department to create a statewide Mathematics Instructional Leadership Framework.
Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, early math screening will be required in grades K–3, along with parent‑notified intervention plans for students who need support.
SB 64 — Office of Special Education
SB 64 formally establishes the Office of Special Education within the Public Education Department, clarifying oversight and authority for services provided to approximately 61,000 students statewide.
The bill passed overwhelmingly in both chambers.
HB 47 — School Employee Insurance
HB 47 replaces the tiered insurance contribution structure with a flat minimum 80% employer contribution for every school district and charter school employee, regardless of salary.
The measure is supported by over $73 million in new appropriations.
Part of a Seven‑Year Investment
Governor Lujan Grisham highlighted what she called sustained progress in education, noting teacher salaries are now 30% higher than when she took office.
A statewide summer reading program has served more than 16,000 students over two years, producing an 11% increase in reading proficiency among participants.
The governor said the new laws continue efforts to improve student outcomes and support educators across New Mexico.
