SANTA FE, N.M. — Democrats, Republicans and the governor all agree it is time to make some serious changes to New Mexico’s Children, Youth & Families Department.

CYFD is arguably New Mexico’s most problematic state agency and state lawmakers always have ideas on how to turn things around. After years of debate, one of their solutions is finally flying towards the finish line.

“Unfortunately, far too many children who are in state custody do not have someone advocating for them and that’s exactly what House Bill 5 [and the] Office of the Child Advocate will do,” said state Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta, D-District 69, To’Hajiilee.

It only took a matter of minutes for New Mexico House lawmakers to unanimously approve a new CYFD oversight bill, establishing a new Office of the Child Advocate inside the New Mexico Department of Justice.

“To improve accountability when the government takes legal or physical custody of children and promote the safety of young people who are in the state’s care,” Abeyta said.

It’s something 40 other states already have in place.

While the bill will likely fly through the New Mexico Senate with bipartisan support, it seems the biggest hurdle could be Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“I know stuff is going to come upstairs. Hard issue. They’re doing good work. They’re debating. We’re not all on the same page,” the governor said.

The governor told us before the session she does support increased oversight of CYFD. However, she is backing a different proposal to establish a child protection authority inside the state’s Regulation and Licensing Department. It’s a move the CYFD secretary says is meant to prevent a conflict of interest.

“The Department of Justice is the law enforcement entity for state government. So basically, they’re my lawyer,” Secretary Teresa Casados said. “And it also is a bit punitive. I think any time you have oversight at an agency such as Department of Justice, whether or not it is punitive, it just sends that message that it’s incredibly punitive.”

House lawmakers unanimously approved another bill to strengthen care programs for substance-exposed newborns. Although, a bill to make those care programs mandatory is still moving through the committee process.