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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Human Services Department (Department)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 356 amends the New Mexico Works Act (Act) to require the Department to conduct an individualized assessment of participants of the Act before requiring them work-ready. Furthermore, the Department is directed to not impose a uniform time period for participants to be engaged in a work activity.

Significant Issues

The Act allows participants up to two years to be determined work-ready, but it allows the Department the discretion to determine a participant work-ready sooner. The regulations issued after the enactment of the Act require participants to be in a work activity within two months. Throughout the interim concerns were voiced by advocates and participants alike that this regulation is jeopardizing many participants chance for success because they need more in-depth case management and related services before entering a work activity. Concerns were also voiced that the assessments conducted are ambiguous and need to be changed to be more personalized.

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