SENATE BILL 487
48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
Mark Boitano
AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; REQUIRING THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO DEVOTE A PORTION OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES FUNDING TO MEETING THE FAMILY FORMATION GOALS OF THE FEDERAL ACT FUNDING THAT PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
Section 1. Section 27-2B-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1998, Chapter 8, Section 1 and Laws 1998, Chapter 9, Section 1) is amended to read:
"27-2B-1. SHORT TITLE.--[Sections 1 through 20 of this act] Chapter 27, Article 2B NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "New Mexico Works Act"."
Section 2. A new section of the New Mexico Works Act, Section 27-2B-7.2 NMSA 1978, is enacted to read:
"27-2B-7.2. [NEW MATERIAL] FAMILY FORMATION GOALS.--
A. In fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year, an amount equal to no less than one percent of the state's temporary assistance for needy families program federal block grant shall be expended on programs to enhance family formation pursuant to Subsection B of this section.
B. Family formation programs shall be provided through pre-kindergarten programs to parents and, where appropriate, children in pre-kindergarten programs and shall include instruction in:
(1) relationship, communication and conflict resolution skills;
(2) financial management training;
(3) marriage education, marriage skills and marriage mentoring programs;
(4) parenting skills; and
(5) divorce reduction programs that teach relationship skills.
C. The secretary shall adopt rules for family formation programs.
D. The secretary shall report annually through 2010 on family formation programs and funding to the welfare reform oversight committee or other appropriate legislative interim committee."
Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2007.