Universal free childcare program becomes law in New Mexico

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs Nation’s First Universal Child Care Law

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham From the Office of the Governor: New Mexico is a national model for early childhood care and education  SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed universal child care into law, making New Mexico the first state in the nation to guarantee no-cost child care that sets young children up for success and helps make life more affordable for families. The governor also signed legislation removing local zoning and …

Universal free childcare program becomes law in New Mexico

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Celebrating it as a first-of-its-kind law anywhere in America, New Mexico's ambitious plan to give families free child care regardless of income now has the governor's signature. It was a landmark moment for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday, as she signed off on a huge investment for New Mexico child care. [...]

Lujan Grisham signs 'life-changing' universal child care bill into law

New Mexico's governor also signed SB 96 on Tuesday, a measure streamlining zoning laws related to opening child care centers.

New Mexico signs free, universal child care into law

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined lawmakers, cabinet officials, children and child care providers on March 10, 2026, to sign her free, universal child care initiative into law. New Mexico is the first state in the U.S. to offer such a program. (Joshua Bowling/Source NM)New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined a group of children, parents and educators at a Santa Fe preschool Tuesday morning to sign her free, universal child care…