AN ACT

RELATING TO CHILDREN; CREATING THE CHILDREN'S CABINET; PROVIDING GOALS AND DUTIES OF THE CHILDREN'S CABINET.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the Children's Code is enacted to read:

     "SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the "Children's Cabinet Act"."

     Section 2. A new section of the Children's Code is enacted to read:

     "CHILDREN'S CABINET CREATED.--

          A. The children's cabinet is created and is administratively attached to the office of the governor. The children's cabinet shall meet at least six times each year.

          B. The children's cabinet shall consist of the following members:

                (1) the governor;

                (2) the lieutenant governor;

                (3) the secretary of children, youth and families;

                (4) the secretary of corrections;

                (5) the secretary of human services;

                (6) the secretary of labor;

                (7) the secretary of health;

                (8) the secretary of finance and administration;

                (9) the secretary of economic development;

                (10) the secretary of public safety;

                (11) the secretary of aging and long-term services;

                (12) the secretary of Indian affairs; and

                (13) the secretary of public education.

          C. Each year the children's cabinet shall select the governor or lieutenant governor to be the chairperson."

     Section 3. A new section of the Children's Code is enacted to read:

     "POWERS--DUTIES--GOALS.--

          A. The children's cabinet shall study and make recommendations for the design of a coordinated system to maximize outcomes among children and youth under age twenty-one, particularly those in disadvantaged situations, in the following areas:

                (1) physical and mental health fitness;

                (2) family and community safety and support;

                (3) preparedness for and success in school;

                (4) successful transition to meaningful and purposeful adulthood and employment; and

                (5) valued contributions to and active participation in communities.

          B. Departments participating in the children's cabinet may enter into joint powers agreements pursuant to the Children's Cabinet Act.

          C. At least twice each year, the children's cabinet shall meet with parents, children, youth, educators, public officials and representatives of faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, philanthropic organizations, public schools and public school districts, colleges and universities, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, youth service providers, political subdivisions, the interim legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee. The children's cabinet may coordinate with these persons as needed to design or implement the coordinated system.

          D. By September 1 of each year, the children's cabinet shall report and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature, including:

                (1) a child and youth report card that identifies the status and well-being of children and youth, including special target populations of children and youth that are disproportionately at risk, based on the outcomes in Subsection A of this section; and

                (2) a child and youth policy and inventory budget identifying state programs and initiatives that affect the well-being of children and youth, including proposed budget allocations toward the outcome areas in Subsection A of this section based on age, ethnicity and special target populations as determined by the children's cabinet."

     Section 4. A new section of the Children's Code is enacted to read:

     "CHILDREN'S CABINET DEPARTMENT LIAISONS.--Each member of the children's cabinet shall name an employee to serve as a liaison to ensure coordination and communication among departments and agencies and to address cross-jurisdictional issues in an efficient, effective and expeditious manner."