New State Laws Expand Student Loan Forgiveness, Legalize Medical Mushrooms and Institute CYFD Reforms

A huge slate of new state laws are on the books in New Mexico as of this month. So, we at New Mexico in Focus wanted to dive into a few key ones to make sure you know what’s changed, why and what to expect.  

Five of the 40-plus new laws aim to make education – from GEDs to graduate degrees – more accessible for New Mexico adults. You’ll hear from officials with the Higher Education Department about new student loan forgiveness, scholarship and waiver programs, what they can offer and who’s eligible for the assistance.  

A priority for lawmakers in this year’s legislative session was reforming the long-troubled Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD). A large reform package and a few supplementary measures are now official. You’ll get a rundown of the new demands on CYFD, and the context behind them, from two local journalists who’ve covered the department for years. We also check in on CYFD’s compliance with existing court-ordered reforms through the Kevin S. settlement agreement.  

Finally, late last month, the Medical Psilocybin Act went into effect, making New Mexico only the third state to legalize and regulate psychedelic mushrooms for medicinal use. NMiF Reporter Cailley Chella explores into the new law, the therapy’s uses and how local doctors envision the program working.  

Join us Friday night at 7 p.m. on NMPBS or anytime on the PBS app to get up to speed on the law of the land (of enchantment).  

-Nash Jones, Host