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Legislation Detail
CS/SB 189 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ELIGIBILITY
Sponsored By: Sen Elizabeth (Liz) Stefanics

Actions: [2] SHPAC/SFC-SHPAC [11] DNP-CS/DP-SFC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

Summary:
 Senate Bill 189 (SB 189):  This legislation proposes significant expansions and amendments to New Mexico's public assistance programs, particularly in relation to cash assistance, services, and eligibility requirements.
Legislation Overview:
 Senate Bill 189 (SB 189):  Here's a summary of the key changes and updates introduced:
a)	Expanded Eligibility and Services: The amendments aim to streamline the application process, make emergency nutritional assistance more accessible, and ensure prompt reimbursement for childcare expenses post-approval.
b)	Individual Responsibility Plans: The law mandates the creation of individual responsibility plans for participants, which include employment goals and other personal development requirements. The plan is designed to increase employability and self-sufficiency.
c)	Income and Resource Exemptions: Various income sources such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and certain child support payments are exempt from counting towards the gross and net income tests used for determining eligibility for public assistance.
d)	Resource Limits: The limits on both liquid and non-liquid resources that a benefit group can own have been significantly increased, which could allow more families to qualify for assistance.
e)	Sanctions for Noncompliance: The law outlines sanctions for noncompliance with work requirements but also introduces a conciliation process to address barriers and validate good cause before penalties are applied.
f)	Education and Training Support: Provisions are included for support through the Education Works Program, which aids recipients in obtaining education and vocational training that can lead to employment.
g)	The legislation allows for the adjustment of the financial standard of need based on state and federal funding availability, which can affect the level of assistance provided.
Contingent Effective Date: The act’s provisions will only come into effect upon the enactment of an appropriation for expanding eligibility for the public assistance programs specified, within a set timeframe (2025-2027).
Overall, these amendments are designed to broaden the safety net for New Mexicans, making it more responsive to the needs of those requiring public assistance while promoting long-term self-reliance through mandatory planning and educational support.
Committee Substitute:
 Committee Substitution March 5, 2025, in SHPAC
SHPACcs/SB 189:  
1. Changes to Application & Eligibility for Cash Assistance (TANF & Education Works)
•	Faster Processing for SNAP (Food Assistance) Applications:
•	Expedited applications must be processed within two business days.
•	Benefits must be delivered within seven days to eligible applicants.
More Resources Allowed for Applicants:
•	Increases the resource limit for eligibility from:
•	$2,000 to $15,000 in non-liquid assets (e.g., property, equipment).
•	$1,500 to $15,000 in liquid assets (e.g., cash, savings).
•	Vehicles are no longer counted as resources.
Expanded Income Disregards:
•	More child support received by participants will be disregarded from income calculations.
•	More earned income is exempted, allowing recipients to work without losing benefits too quickly.
2. Work Participation & Sanctions for Noncompliance
•	Participants must develop an Individual Responsibility Plan with work/education goals.
•	If a participant fails to comply, they will go through a conciliation process before facing penalties.
New sanction rules:
•	1st offense: 25% reduction in benefits.
•	2nd offense: 50% reduction.
•	3rd offense: Instead of an automatic six-month disqualification, only the noncompliant adult is removed for up to three months (or until they comply).
•	Full benefits resume once compliance is re-established.
3. Education & Training Program Enhancements
•	Expands eligibility for the Education Works Program (financial aid for students).
•	Allows participation for:
•	Those seeking a high school diploma or equivalency (GED).
•	Students in vocational training or college degree programs.
•	Education Works participants must:
•	Be full-time students (except for GED students, who have a 4-6 month limit).
•	Maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 (with probation allowed for two terms if GPA drops).
•	Apply for financial aid before receiving state assistance.
•	If a participant fails to meet requirements, they must apply for traditional TANF assistance instead.
4. Incentives for Work & Self-Sufficiency
•	Participants who work more than required can keep more of their earnings for two years.
•	New Employment Retention & Advancement Bonus Program:
•	Provides cash bonuses to former recipients who maintain employment for at least 30 hours per week.
•	Limits participation to 18 months.
5. Funding & Implementation
The law only takes effect if funding is provided in the 2025, 2026, or 2027 budget.
The Health Care Authority Secretary must confirm funding by July 1, 2027 for the law to go into effect.
  • Floor Amendments arrow_drop_down