SENATE BILL 315

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Mark Boitano

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; REQUIRING THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO DEVOTE A PORTION OF FEDERAL FUNDING TO FAMILY FORMATION PROGRAMS; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978.

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

     Section 1. Section 27-2B-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1998, Chapter 8, Section 1 and Laws 1998, Chapter 9, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "27-2B-1. SHORT TITLE.--[Sections 1 through 20 of this act] Chapter 27, Article 2B NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "New Mexico Works Act"."

     Section 2. A new Section 27-2B-7.2 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "27-2B-7.2. [NEW MATERIAL] FAMILY FORMATION PROGRAMS.--

          A. In fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year, a sum of at least one percent of the federal block grant for the state's temporary assistance for needy families programs shall be spent on programs to enhance family formation.

          B. Family formation programs include:

                (1) marriage skills training for engaged and married couples;

                (2) premarital education programs;

                (3) marriage enhancement programs;

                (4) divorce reduction programs;

                (5) marriage mentoring programs;

                (6) programs designed to reduce disincentives to marriage in programs that require proof of income; and

                (7) responsible fatherhood training in voluntary programs approved by the secretary.

          C. The federal funds for family formation programs shall be administered under contract with a state public post-secondary educational institution that has demonstrated success in administering temporary assistance for needy families programs, such as workforce development programs, in both the north and south of the state.

          D. The secretary shall promulgate rules for responsible fatherhood training programs.

          E. The secretary shall report annually through 2011 on family formation programs and funding to the welfare reform oversight committee."

- 3 -