The New Mexico Youth Film and Media Development Act establishes a framework for promoting youth engagement in filmmaking and media production. The act creates the "youth film and media grant fund," which will be administered by the higher education department and is designed to provide grants to organizations focused on advancing filmmaking projects for youth aged twelve to eighteen. The department is tasked with coordinating efforts with various stakeholders, including the New Mexico film office and educational institutions, to ensure the grant program aligns with workforce development goals and addresses the needs of rural and tribal communities. The act emphasizes prioritizing access for Native American youth and those in rural areas, requiring grant recipients to report on their expenditures and the impact of their programs.

Additionally, the act appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for the youth film and media grant fund for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years, with a cap of $250,000 on annual disbursements. The fund will consist of various sources of income, including appropriations and donations, and will not revert at the end of the fiscal year. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.