Legislation To Protect Children Under CYFD Emergency Placement Clears House Committee

Unanimously
Santa Fe, NM- Legislation that would remove children from CYFD emergency placement if residents do
not submit to a background check passed the House Judiciary Committee. The law (HB 208), sponsored
by Rep. Paul Pacheco and Democrat Sen. Daniel Ivy-Soto, passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote.
CYFD serves an important role in protecting our children, and this legislation will make them more
effective, said Representative Pacheco.
Currently, there is no mandatory enforcement for fingerprinting or administering a background check, but
this bill gives CYFD the ability to go to State Police or the FBI to perform a criminal background check
for adults residing in emergency placement housing. The child will not be allowed to reside with any
adult that does not comply with these requirements.
We cannot let our kids live with those who could potentially put our kids at risk, said Pacheco.
The legislation is asking for permission for a background check and fingerprints to be submitted as soon
as possible but no longer than 15 days.
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