News
A bill creating the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program has been signed into law by New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A new program designed to help residents of New Mexico access affordable broadband has been signed into law by the governor.
The law, SB 152, was one of 33 bills recently signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
According to media reports, the law is designed to fill gaps left behind by the Affordable Connectivity Program, which expired in 2024.
A summary of the bill posted online by Bill Track 50 says the legislation will “allow telecommunications providers to be reimbursed from the State Rural Universal Service Fund for offering reduced rates to qualifying households, which include students at risk, those receiving health care assistance, or those eligible for the federal Lifeline program.”
Connect New Mexico further elaborates, saying the bill “authorizes $10 million in broadband funding to help low-income families afford broadband service.”
The bill, first proposed by Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, was co-sponsored by state representatives Pamelya Herndon and Debra Sariñana.
Jeff Lopez, director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion in New Mexico, touched on the legislation’s importance in a February release, as it headed to the governor’s desk.
“Delivering broadband infrastructure across the state remains an essential part of our mission, and now it’s imperative that New Mexico families are able to afford it,” Lopez previously said. “High speed internet is critical for New Mexicans to succeed, and income should not prevent them from getting access to this vital infrastructure.”
Padilla also spoke about the importance of the bill for New Mexicans.
“By investing in reliable, high-speed broadband, we’re unlocking economic opportunity, closing the digital divide, and connecting communities so every New Mexican can thrive,” he said.
