HOUSE BILL 576

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Stefani Lord

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO ADOPTED CHILDREN; PROVIDING ADOPTED CHILDREN WITH FREE ADMISSION TO STATE-OWNED MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS, CAMPING PASSES AND FISHING LICENSES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 32A-3A-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2019, Chapter 132, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "32A-3A-12. FOSTER FAMILIES--FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS--CAMPING PASSES--FISHING LICENSES.--

          A. As provided in Subsection B of this section, foster parents and children in the custody of foster parents, young adults enrolled in the fostering connections program, adopted children and children who are in the custody of the [children, youth and families] department or in tribal custody, who are residents of the state, shall be provided for free:

                (1) admission to state-owned museums and state parks;

                (2) a camping pass for up to three consecutive nights of overnight access to a state park; and

                (3) a fishing license.

          B. Eligibility for free admission shall be contingent on demonstration of proof of identity, residency and status as a foster parent, child in the custody of a foster parent, young adult enrolled in the fostering connections program, adopted child or child in the custody of the [children, youth and families] department or in tribal custody in accordance with rules of the:

                (1) cultural affairs department, for free day-use admission to state-owned museums;

                (2) energy, minerals and natural resources department, for free day-use admission and camping passes to state parks; or

                (3) state game commission, for fishing licenses.

          C. As used in this section, "adopted child" means a person under the age of eighteen who was adopted when the person was in the custody of the department or a person certified, licensed or otherwise specially empowered by law to place a child in a home in this or any other state for the purpose of adoption."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2025.

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