The bill amends New Mexico's public assistance laws to enhance work readiness and support for participants in public assistance programs. Key provisions include a requirement for the department to process applications for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits within two business days and deliver benefits within seven days. It also mandates a resource planning session within thirty days of application submission to assess immediate needs and develop an individual responsibility plan, which participants must engage in. Additionally, the bill increases the allowable resource limits for benefit groups, raising the maximum for both nonliquid and liquid resources to $15,000, while revising sanctions for noncompliance with work requirements to allow for the removal of noncompliant adults from benefit groups for up to three months instead of terminating cash assistance.

Furthermore, the bill focuses on the Education Works Program, requiring the department to assist applicants in completing cash assistance applications and evaluating their eligibility for various programs. It emphasizes the development of an individual educational plan for recipients, which must be signed by both the recipient and the department. The bill clarifies that recipients must apply for all available financial aid and sets conditions for participation in the Education Works Program, including limits on the duration based on educational goals. It also establishes a probationary status for recipients who do not meet academic standards and outlines consequences for failing to meet educational requirements. The provisions will take effect upon the enactment of an appropriation for expanding eligibility for public assistance programs in future General Appropriation Acts.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 27-2B-4, 27-2B-7, 27-2B-8, 27-2D-3, 27-2D-4, 27-2D-5, 27-2D-6, 27-2D-9
PA substitute: 27-2B-4, 27-2B-7, 27-2B-8, 27-2D-3, 27-2D-4, 27-2D-5, 27-2D-6, 27-2D-9