HOUSE BILL 35

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Stefani Lord and Crystal R. Diamond and John Block

and Gail Armstrong and Luis M. Terrazas

AN ACT

RELATING TO FAMILIES; PROVIDING TO FOSTER FAMILIES, ENROLLEES OF THE FOSTERING CONNECTIONS PROGRAM AND CHILDREN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT FREE CAMPING PASSES AND FISHING LICENSES; PROVIDING TO ENROLLEES OF THE FOSTERING CONNECTIONS PROGRAM AND CHILDREN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT FREE ADMISSION TO STATE-OWNED MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 32A-3A-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2019, Chapter 132, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "32A-3A-12. FOSTER FAMILIES--FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS--CAMPING PASSES--FISHING LICENSES.--

          A. As provided in Subsection B of this section, foster parents and children in the custody of foster parents, youth enrolled in the fostering connections program and children who are in the custody of the children, youth and families department, who are residents of the state, shall be provided for free:

                (1) admission to state-owned museums and state parks; [provided that]

                (2) a camping pass for up to three consecutive nights of overnight access to a state park; and

                (3) a fishing license.

          B. Eligibility for free admission shall be contingent [upon] on demonstration of proof of identity, residency and status as a foster parent, [or] child in the custody of a foster parent, youth enrolled in the fostering connections program or child in the custody of the children, youth and families department in accordance with rules of the:

                [A.] (1) cultural affairs department, for free day-use admission to state-owned museums; [and]

                [B.] (2) energy, minerals and natural resources department, for free day-use admission and camping passes to state parks; or

                (3) department of game and fish, for fishing licenses."

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