The bill amends Section 32A-1-19 of the New Mexico Children's Code to include provisions for the payment of filing fees in legal proceedings involving children. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection that states the expenses of filing fees incurred by a child, the family of a child, or a person filing on behalf of a child will be covered as part of the court's expenses. This addition aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and individuals involved in such proceedings.

Additionally, the bill maintains that children and their families, as well as those legally obligated to support them, will not be required to pay court costs or expenses related to the Delinquency Act. The court retains the authority to order parents or legally obligated persons to contribute to the costs of support and treatment for a child if they are found financially able to do so, following a hearing. This ensures that while filing fees are addressed, the overall financial responsibilities of families are carefully considered in the context of the child's welfare.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-19