Bill > SB435

This bill appropriates $1 million from New Mexico's general fund to the state Department of Justice for a fiscal year 2026 initiative focused on supporting Native American communities. The funding will support two primary components: a public relations campaign and an identification system. The campaign aims to educate New Mexico residents about their rights when facing potential deportation or harassment by federal immigration officers, with a specific focus on members of Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos. As part of this effort, the bill calls for creating an identification system that can verify tribal membership, along with establishing a telephone hotline to help individuals verify their citizenship status. Any funds not spent by the end of fiscal year 2026 will be returned to the general fund. The bill appears designed to provide legal and informational support to Native American communities who may be vulnerable to immigration-related challenges.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=435&year=25