SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 17

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

INTRODUCED BY

William P. Soules

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND ARTICLE 2 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 25 TO ESTABLISH RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO INCLUDE HEALTH CARE, NUTRITION, SAFE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION TO ACCESS SERVICES, HOME VISITATION, EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS, FULLY RESOURCED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS, YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS AND ATTAINMENT OF SKILLS FOR QUALITY EMPLOYMENT; AND TO REQUIRE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS TO PROTECT THOSE RIGHTS.

 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new Section 25 to read:

     "Laws shall be enacted by the second session of the fifty-seventh legislature and those laws shall be administered in a manner to preserve the following rights, which are established for each child in New Mexico:

          A. the right to medical and dental health care that is timely and accessible;

          B. the right to behavioral health care that is solution-focused and culturally sensitive, available to all children's families and household members;

          C. the right to nutritious food without having to endure hunger, food insecurity or stigma;

          D. the right to stable, healthy and safe housing with electricity, plumbing, heat and internet access;

          E. the right to transportation in order to reach educational, recreational and vital services;

          F. the right to live in a community that provides home visitation programs starting at birth to ensure safe households, parental support and education and navigation to local vital services;

          G. the right to early childhood learning programs that prepare children for school;

          H. the right to fully resourced community schools, with staffing to ensure an enriching academic and cultural experience, as well as a school-based health center to provide medical, dental and mental health care to students and family members;

          I. the right to youth mentorship programs in many forms in order to support recreational activities and strengthen physical health, academic skills and interpersonal communication skills; and

          J. the right to acquire all the skills needed to maintain quality employment, including education aligned with job markets and job readiness and placement programs."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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