01/30/2026
🚨 New Mexico Legislative Update – Important for Gifted Families 🚨
A bill currently moving through the New Mexico Legislature, SB 64, may impact how Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) is supported statewide.
What parents should know:
• Mimi Stewart and Joy Garratt are sponsoring SB 64, which would restructure the Special Education Office within the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• The bill removes long-standing language that includes “exceptional students” (gifted students) under the Special Education (SPED) umbrella.
• New Mexico is one of very few states that currently provides gifted students with protections through SPED, including Gifted IEPs.
• If passed, it’s unclear how this change would affect gifted services at the district level, but it could reduce or remove protections for gifted students, particularly those with IEPs.
At this time, the bill does not clearly explain how gifted education would be protected or structured moving forward.
📌 We encourage families—especially those with gifted or twice-exceptional students—to learn more, follow this bill, and consider how it may affect your child.
We will continue to monitor this legislation and share updates as they become available.
Staying informed helps us advocate for all students.
