SM 9 is a memorial requesting the Legislative Education Study Committee to convene a working group to study and recommend improvements to New Mexico’s 520 Native American language and culture certification program. The memorial frames the program as an important tool for preserving Native American languages and cultural identity, supporting student achievement, and recognizing the expertise of tribal language educators. It also notes prior legislative action establishing the certification framework and later amending the law to provide salary parity with level 1 licensed teachers.
The working group would be asked to examine the program’s organizational structure, accountability, certification process, advancement and professional development pathways, data collection, transparency, and long-term system improvements. The memorial specifically calls for participation from the Public Education Department’s Indian Education Division and Licensure Bureau, school districts and charter schools with Native language programs, organizations involved in bilingual teacher certification and professional development, higher education institutions, technical assistance centers, and 520-certified educators. The group would report its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025.
Impact
Because SM 9 is a memorial rather than a bill amending statutory text, it does not directly change state law. Its practical effect is to direct attention and legislative study toward Section 22-10A-13 NMSA 1978 and the broader 520 certification system, with the goal of informing future policy, administrative changes, or legislation affecting Native American language and culture instructors, tribal education programs, and Public Education Department implementation.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the memorial and the vote is strongly supportive. The measure emphasizes the cultural, educational, and sovereignty interests served by the 520 certification program, and it passed the Senate unanimously with 37 yeas and 0 nays. The language of the memorial suggests broad agreement that the program is valuable and should be strengthened rather than reduced.
Contention
No explicit opposition appears in the available record, but the memorial identifies several areas that may require policy clarification or reform: the organizational structure of the certification program, how accountability is assigned, whether salary parity is being implemented consistently, how educators can advance professionally, and how data are collected and reported. These issues suggest likely discussion points for the working group, particularly among educators, tribal governments, and Public Education Department administrators concerned with program design and implementation.
Expressing support for the recognition of September 22, 2025, to September 28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
A resolution expressing support for the recognition of September 22, 2025, to September 28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".