Child-protection bills wait till 2013

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Two bills meant to protect kids died when the Legislature adjourned Thursday leaving the state agency in charge of keeping children safe unhappy.

One bill would have allowed the state to do background checks on family members of children who were placed in their care after their parents have lost custody.

Another bill would have meant more prison time for child abusers.

The Children, Youth and Families department was left stunned.

"There are men and women in the field who have dedicated their lives and their careers to keeping kids safe, and they were looking for this additional tool in these new laws." CYFD spokesman Enrique Knell said.

The bills died when the 30-day session of the Legislature ended Thursday.

"It doesn't mean they're not important issues," Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, said. "It just meant they were supplemental to dealing with the budget.

"So dealing with the budget, dealing with the tax package was our priority No. 1."

Thirty-day sessions are limited to financial items plus issues added to the agenda by the governor. Lawmakers and the governor said they'll try to pass the bills when the Legislature meets for a 60-day session next January.