New Mexico: Lawmaker pushes for permanent "Special Education Bureau"

Jan 8, 2026, Albuquerque News: New Mexico lawmaker pushes to make Special Education Bureau permanent 

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/legislature/new-mexico-lawmaker-pushes-to-make-special-education-bureau-permanent/amp/ 

While New Mexico continues to face legal battles and scrutiny over special education in public schools, a top state lawmaker is seeking to make permanent an initiative first created by the governor through executive order.

Nearly three years ago, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham established a first-of-its-kind Office of Special Education. Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) said codifying that office into state law could further support students with disabilities and their families. She has prefiled legislation to do just that. A similar bill passed the Senate last year but did not advance further.

“Back when I was a special ed teacher, we didn’t get much. We didn’t get materials like the other teachers did, etc.,” Sen. Stewart said. “But, you know, I always collaborated with regular ed teachers to work together, so it was a good collaboration.”

Sen. Stewart, who taught special education for 25 years, said conditions for special ed teachers have improved significantly. She credits much of that progress to the Special Education Bureau, which was created by executive order in 2023 within the Public Education Department. . . .

The executive order establishing the special education office followed years of unsuccessful legislative attempts. Sen. Stewart said this year could present an opportunity to make the bureau permanent before Gov. Lujan Grisham leaves office. . . ..

According to the Legislative Finance Committee, New Mexico’s special education enrollment has increased by 10% over the past decade.

The 30-day legislative session begins January 20. During the short session, the governor has broad authority to set the agenda.