2026 Legislative Session
During the 2026 legislative session, Universal Child Care remains a critical priority for New Mexico families.
Universal Child Care strengthens the state’s early childhood system and supports the workforce by ensuring families can access quality child care without cost barriers.
Overview of Proposed Legislation
FY27 Executive Budget
The FY27 Executive Budget builds on the strategic and successful investments of the New Mexico Legislature and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham that have benefitted tens of thousands of New Mexico families and young children. The Executive Budget also supports ECECD’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan through targeted recurring and non-recurring funding.
Resource: Check out ECECD’s 2026 Legislative and Budget Priorities flyer for more information about the budget request.
Universal Child Care
New Mexico is the first state in the nation to offer Universal Child Care, providing no-cost child care assistance to families who work or attend school, regardless of income. By removing income limits and co-payments, Universal Child Care ensures families can access care without financial barriers, saving an average of $14,000 per child per year in out-of-pocket costs.
This historic investment strengthens family stability, supports workforce participation, expands the economy, and positions New Mexico as a national leader in building a sustainable, high-quality early childhood system. By approving the FY27 Executive budget request of $160.6 million for Universal Child Care, lawmakers have the opportunity to make a generational change in the lives of New Mexico families and our state’s economy through one of the most cost-effective labor market policies ever evaluated in the US.
Child Care Zoning Requirements
This legislation creates statewide rules for where child care facilities can operate to increase the number of child care options and improve access to quality care. The bill treats licensed and registered child care homes the same as regular homes, removing extra local rules, fees, and parking requirements that make it harder to run a child care business.
Licensed child care centers would be allowed in commercial areas, mixed-use neighborhoods, and apartment buildings, and homeowners associations could not ban child care homes. These statewide rules make zoning laws consistent across New Mexico and remove barriers that limit child care availability in communities.
Tax Credit Incentive for Donations to Child Care Facilities
This proposal creates tax credits for people and businesses who donate to child care facilities licensed by ECECD, with a total limit of $10 million per year and a limit of $500,000 per taxpayer per year. The tax credit encourages donations to child care programs, creating new funding sources for facilities to support building improvements and day-to-day costs. By encouraging people to support child care providers, this law strengthens both the number and quality of early childhood services available to New Mexico families.
Resource: Click to view ECECD’s 2026 Legislative and Budget Priorities flyer, including a funding chart. Available in English and Spanish (PDF).
Committee Hearings
Legislative committee hearings are meetings where small groups of lawmakers review bills before they go to a full vote. Committees are specialized—some focus on education, others on healthcare or budgets.
During hearings, committee members ask questions, listen to experts and community members, and decide if a bill should move forward.
Public Participation Encouraged!
These meetings are open to everyone—watch hearings in person or online at www.nmlegis.gov.
Most committees allow public comment, which means you can share your thoughts, experiences, or concerns about a bill directly with the lawmakers who will vote on it.
Upcoming Hearings
(Updated: Jan. 20)
House Appropriations and Finance Committee
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Room 307, New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse)
You’re Invited to Celebrate Early Childhood at the Roundhouse
Save the Date | Saturday, February 14 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | New Mexico State Capitol
Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse returns in 2026 with the theme “When Child Care Works, New Mexico Works.” This year’s event will highlight Universal Child Care as a cornerstone of New Mexico’s commitment to working families, children, and communities.
Join early childhood educators, families, partners, and advocates at the State Capitol for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. Together, we will uplift how Universal Child Care and other early childhood investments help families thrive, strengthen communities, and support New Mexico’s workforce and economy.
Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to:
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Learn more about Universal Child Care and other early childhood priorities
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Connect with families, providers, and advocates from across the state
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Celebrate the collective impact of early childhood programs on New Mexico’s future
Vendors, agenda, program details, and performance announcements coming soon.
Watch: Educator David Sweet shares why he supports Universal Child Care
Watch: Dawn’s Story on Finding High-Quality Care
Resources for Lawmakers
Presentations
Resources for Families and Early Childhood Professionals
Session Mailer:
- ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer – Jan. 20, 2026
- ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer – Jan. 13, 2026
Jan. 20. 2026 Community Legislative Session Spotlight
Watch: Karen’s Story – Saving for the Future Thanks to Free Child Care
Watch: Hillary’s Story –Growing Her Child Care Business