Senate Bill 13 Sponsored by Senator Benny Shendo Jr NM State Tribal Education Compact

SB 13 known as the 2025 NM State Tribal Education Compact according to advocates protects the sovereignty, a fundamental right that recognizes Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos as the rightful authorities to design and deliver education programs that honor and preserve their languages, cultures, and traditions.

SB 13 enables Tribes to enter into an education compact with the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED), creating state-funded schools that are centered on Native language and cultural heritage. This bill acknowledges the unique needs of tribal communities and gives Tribes the autonomy to develop their own curriculum, assessment tools, standards, and evaluation methods that reflect the community's values and priorities.

Per bill advocates by passing SB 13, New Mexico reaffirms its commitment to justice, equality, and Indigenous rights per bill advocates. This bill is a critical step toward a more just education system, ensuring Native communities can preserve their cultural heritage and build a brighter future for Native youth.

The various agencies analysis can be found per the following link…
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Agency_Analysis?

Senate Bill 13 amends the Public School Code to create state-tribal education compact (STEC) schools, authorizing the Public Education Department (PED) to enter into a compact with an Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo located wholly or partially in New Mexico to create language- and culture-based STEC schools and more. A synopsis and fiscal impact can be found per the link below…

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/25%20Regular/firs/SB0013.PDF

Join Friday, Jan. 31 | 9:00 AM | Room 311 to learn more…

The Senate Education Committee will hear about SB13: State-Tribal Education Compact Schools Act

If interested take action…

Attend the committee meeting in person or via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81696207177)

Email or call committee members to show support for the Act.

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