The Second Session of the 57th Legislature

January 2-16, 2026: Legislation may be prefiled
January 20: Opening day (noon)
February 4: Deadline for introduction
February 19: Session ends (noon)
March 11: Legislation not acted upon by governor is pocket vetoed
May 20: Effective date of legislation not a general appropriation bill or a bill carrying an emergency clause or other specified date

BlueSky Profile

Erin’s Law Passed in New Mexico to Require Sexual Abuse Detection Training in Schools

Senate News & Op-Eds

Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4819

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2014

Erin’s Law Passed in New Mexico to Require Sexual Abuse Detection Training in Schools

Santa Fe, NM – Today, Governor Susana Martinez signed House Bill 92, also known as Erin’s Law, sponsored by Representative David Gallegos (R-61-Lea) and co-sponsored by Senator Bill O’Neill (D-13-Brenalillo). This legislation requires the all licensed school employees complete training to detect and report sexual abuse and assault in schools. Senate Bill 97, also sponsored by Sen. O’Neill, is a twin bill.

“This is about prevention, and is understandably bipartisan in nature. We need to provide traumatized children a lifeline wherever possible, and Erin’s law does precisely that,” said Sen. O’Neill.

According to bill analysis, the law specifies that all licensed school employees shall complete training to detect and report sexual abuse and assault within the first year of employment, or during the 2014-2015 school year for current employees. The bill also requires that health education courses include age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention training. The Public Education Department (PED) shall consult with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to develop a training program. PED must also work with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop both an evidence-based section on child sexual abuse and assault, and department standards for school employee trainings created around evidence-based methods and materials.

Erin’s law was initiated and pursued by Erin Merryn, a former victim of sexual abuse turned activist, speaker and author who used her experience to empower children suffering at the hands of sexual predators. It was first signed in Illinois by Governor Pat Quinn in February 2011. It has now become law in several states across the country and New Mexico is proud to join the fight.

“I personally want to thank Erin Merryn for this policy and for her courageous advocacy on this measure. I would also like to thank the New Mexico coalition of sexual assault programs for their help in passing this important legislation,” added Sen. O’Neill.

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