House Passes Bill to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Bipartisan legislation would launch a pilot program to assist grandparents and other relatives raising the children of a family member
Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to launch a three-year pilot program to provide financial support for grandparents or other relatives raising the children of a family member, by a vote of 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, aiming to assist 50 families in each area. Reports assessing the program’s impact and providing recommendations would be submitted to the Legislative Finance Committee annually.
Participants would be selected based on household income and the needs of the children under their care. These caregivers would be provided monthly economic support, as well as access to legal representation, public assistance, and other key services. HB 252 is supported by funding in this year’s budget and would begin 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.”
HB 252 has 24 bipartisan sponsors led by 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).
Addressing the rising cost of living and protecting the well-being of the children of New Mexico are top priorities for House Democrats this session. House Democrats are sponsoring a robust slate of legislation to increase oversight, transparency, and accountability at CYFD, as well as to raise pay and strengthen benefits for working people, protect consumers from corporate greed, and lower the costs of essentials, like housing, utilities, healthcare, and groceries.
HB 252 now moves to the Senate, where sponsors include Senators Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque), Shannon Pinto (D-Tohatchi), and Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe).
Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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