The bill amends New Mexico's public assistance laws to improve work readiness and support for participants in public assistance programs. It requires the department to process applications for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits within two business days and deliver benefits within seven days. Additionally, the bill mandates a resource planning session within thirty days of application submission and an assessment of participants' education, skills, and employability within fifteen days of approval. It emphasizes the creation of individual responsibility plans outlining employment goals and obligations, along with a semiannual review process. The financial eligibility criteria are also modified, increasing the allowable nonliquid and liquid resources for benefit groups to $15,000 each, and introducing a new sanction structure for noncompliance with work requirements.

Moreover, the bill revises existing laws related to cash assistance and the Education Works Program. It requires the department to assist applicants in completing cash assistance applications and to process expedited supplemental nutrition assistance applications within two business days. The bill mandates that all members of the benefit group be identified at the time of application and that recipients report any changes in group membership. It also emphasizes the development of individual educational plans for recipients, which must be signed by both the recipient and the department. The eligibility criteria for the Education Works Program are revised to include individuals without a high school diploma or those pursuing vocational training or post-secondary education. The bill establishes stricter participation requirements for educational programs and will take effect upon the enactment of an appropriation for expanding eligibility for public assistance programs in the General Appropriation Acts of 2025, 2026, or 2027.

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