Bill > SB152

This bill establishes a new Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program and restructures the existing broadband program within New Mexico's Rural Telecommunications Act, aiming to ensure affordable access to telecommunications services for eligible low-income households and to fund the expansion of broadband internet access in rural areas. It amends existing laws to 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. The bill also introduces budget caps for the State Rural Universal Service Fund, setting limits on expenditures for various programs, including a significant cap for the low-income assistance program in subsequent years. Additionally, it repeals the old Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act and requires annual reports from the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) detailing the status of these programs, including the number of households assisted, the cost of providing assistance, and the progress of broadband deployment.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=152&year=26