Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - The New Mexico House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday, Feb. 27, to establish a three-year pilot program supporting grandparents and other relatives raising children of family members. The measure passed 53-8.

House Bill 252 would create the Kinship Caregiver Support pilot program, which would operate in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, McKinley and Doña Ana counties, assisting up to 50 families in each area. The program would provide financial aid, legal representation, public assistance and other resources. Annual reports assessing the program’s impact and offering recommendations would be submitted to the Legislative Finance Committee.

Caregivers would be selected based on household income and the needs of the children in their care. Funding for the program is included in this year’s budget, with an expected start date of June 1, 2025.

“Tens of thousands of kids across New Mexico are being raised by their grandparents or relatives other than their biological parents,” said lead sponsor Rep. Susan Herrera, D-Embudo. “We need to ensure that the family members who are stepping up to care for these children have the support they need to make ends meet and raise young people who are equipped to thrive.”

The bill has 24 bipartisan sponsors, including Reps. Herrera, Michelle Paulene Abeyta, D-To’hajiilee; D. Wonda Johnson, D-Church Rock; Kristina Ortez, D-Taos; and House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque.

House Democrats have identified cost-of-living concerns and child welfare as priorities this session. Lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at increasing oversight and accountability at the Children, Youth and Families Department, raising wages, and lowering costs for housing, utilities, health care and groceries.

HB 252 now moves to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sens. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque; Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi; and Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe.