Committee advances SB64 to codify Office of Special Education, adds quarterly superintendent consultations

Senator Stewart described SB64 as a move to place an Office of Special Education — established by executive order in recent years — into statute to preserve its work and continue statewide improvements for students with disabilities. The sponsor said the office's priorities include training, accountability, and work toward a statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) to reduce variability across districts.

Supporters from a coalition of school leaders, Disability Rights New Mexico, and retired educators testified in favor, urging clarity of authority and continued staffing. Jim Jackson of Disability Rights New Mexico told the committee he supported clarity on the office's structural role and emphasized that the PED will need staffing and technical assistance to fulfill responsibilities.

The committee considered and adopted an amendment (36-26.2) to require the Office of Special Education to consult quarterly with a committee of district superintendents and charter administrators selected by peers to plan and implement continuous improvement measures. Sponsor and PED officials said the office already operates under an executive order, that 25 of 27 positions are filled, and that the bill does not change funding or existing statutory rules for gifted services.

Several senators expressed concerns about possible unfunded mandates; sponsor and PED staff responded that the bill does not add district duties beyond current requirements and that the office would provide technical assistance and monitoring. The committee moved the amended bill and recorded a due-pass recommendation with 9 yes and 1 no (Senator Woods voted no). The sponsor said the office will continue monitoring compliance and working with districts to design a statewide IEP if districts opt to participate.

Next steps: The amended bill will be forwarded to the full Senate. Committee members asked staff to watch for any future resource needs at PED if the office's responsibilities expand.