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

By: Danielle Prokop

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: February 18, 2026

Words: 355

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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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 …

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