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NM SB152

Bill

Status

Passed

3/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Michael Padilla

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Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a low-income telecommunications assistance program by January 1, 2027, providing reduced rates to households with at-risk students, those eligible for health care authority programs, or federal lifeline participants
  • Creates budget caps for the State Rural Universal Service Fund: $18 million for access reduction/need-based support, $12 million for broadband infrastructure, and $10 million (first year) to $45 million (subsequent years) for low-income assistance
  • Requires eligible telecommunications carriers receiving fund support to spend at least 60% on rural broadband deployment through December 31, 2028, increasing to 100% in subsequent years
  • Exempts low-income assistance program participants from the $1.00 911 emergency surcharge and the 1.66% telecommunications relay service surcharge
  • Repeals the existing Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act (Sections 63-9C-1 through 63-9C-6 NMSA 1978), effective July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Low-income Telecomm. Assistance Program

Last Action

Signed by Governor - Chapter 34 - Mar. 5

3/5/2026

Committee Referrals

Appropriations & Finance2/12/2026
Committees1/26/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available