Bill > HB255

This bill renames the "Juvenile Community Corrections Act" to the "Juvenile Community Connections Act" and makes several substantive changes to how juvenile rehabilitation and support programs are managed. The bill expands the definitions of who can be served by these programs, adding new categories of "child" (under 18) and "youth" (18-26), and broadens the scope of services that can be provided through the juvenile community connections grant fund. It allows the fund to be used for prevention, intervention, and diversion services, not just for corrections. The legislation establishes a local panel in each county or municipality to screen and identify delinquent youth who might benefit from community-based programs, with panel membership including representatives from judiciary, schools, law enforcement, and community programs. The bill also increases the administrative funding percentage from 10% to 12% and provides more flexibility for the Children, Youth and Families Department to create and fund programs directly when community proposals are insufficient. Additionally, the bill makes technical amendments to other related statutes to reflect the name change and updated definitions. The overall intent appears to be creating a more flexible, prevention-oriented approach to supporting at-risk youth and young adults.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=255&year=25