During a recent House Appropriations and Finance meeting in New Mexico, a significant discussion emerged regarding the accountability of teachers in cases of abuse. A representative expressed deep concern over a proposed amendment that would exclude certain protections for victims, particularly in light of a troubling case involving a teacher who harmed multiple students. The representative emphasized the need for legislation that would hold perpetrators in public institutions accountable, stating, "Unfortunately, this bill does not do that."

The conversation highlighted the complexities surrounding the Tort Claims Act, which governs how governmental entities can be sued. The representative noted that opening this act to include cases of teacher misconduct could be a challenging endeavor, suggesting that the current bill fails to adequately address the issue of protecting children from predatory behavior in schools.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the implications of the "yes means yes" consent bill, which aims to clarify consent in higher education settings. Concerns were raised about whether this standard would apply retroactively to older cases, leaving many unanswered questions about justice for past victims of abuse.

The representative, who is also a mother and grandmother, passionately advocated for the need to ensure that all victims, especially women, receive justice. She expressed her commitment to returning next year to continue the fight for stronger protections and accountability measures for victims of abuse in educational settings.

This meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in reforming laws to better protect children and hold abusers accountable, signaling a need for continued advocacy and legislative action in New Mexico.