Universal child care clears NM House, heads back to Senate for final approval

Feb 18, 2026 | 1:02 pm ET

By Danielle Prokop

Universal child care clears NM House, heads back to Senate for final approval

Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), a co-sponsor of a bill funding New Mexico’s universal child care program, said the legislation “creates predictability” for families, providers and the state, during House floor debate on Feb. 17, 2026.(Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

The New Mexico House of Representatives late Tuesday night passed a measure for a universal child care program to serve an estimated 60,000 children, which would only enact copays for higher-earning parents under certain economic conditions such as higher inflation, unexpected enrollment or a decline in oil prices.

Senate Bill 241, the Childcare Assistance Program Act, passed the House along a 37-19 party-line vote. The Senate previously approved the bill on a 25-15 vote.

Even though it passed both chambers, SB241 requires Senate approval for changes made by the House before heading to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The governor issued a statement Wednesday expressing optimism the bill will reach her before the session adjourns at noon on Thursday.

“Every child in New Mexico deserves a strong start, regardless of their family’s zip code or income,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “With SB 241, we’re making that promise real — and we’re doing it in a way that protects this investment for generations to come.”

The bill follows the governor’s high-profile promise last year that New Mexico would become the first state to offer free universal child care, but the program’s funding has been a sticking point throughout the 2026 legislative Session.

SB241 allows the state to tap up to $700 million from the $11 billion Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund to pay for the program over the next five years; enacts wage requirements for participating child care operations; and requires referrals for children at risk of developmental delays or disabilities to supportive programs.

“It creates predictability for families, providers and the state, enabling long-term planning, enhanced child care quality, and will improve the development of participating children,” House sponsor Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces) said during Tuesday’s discussion of the bill.

In debate, Republicans said their concern centers on the program’s cost down the line.

“My concerns with this really are the amount and the sustainability of the fund,” said Rep. Brian Baca (R-Los Lunas). “I question if we are going to be able to sustain this.”