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New Law Provides Broadband Assistance for Low-Income Families

Other Legislative Success Focus on Medical Compacts

AARP

Published May 04, 2026

Official government seal of the state of New Mexico from the floor of the rotunda area in capitol building in Santa Fe

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Starting this July, low-income New Mexicans can get assistance accessing high-speed internet under a new state law aimed at closing the digital divide.

Senate Bill 152, an Act establishing the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, was signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 5th and takes effect July 1.

The new law establishes a $55 million broadband program, administered by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, to expand high-speed internet access for low-income households. It replaces a federal fund put in place during the pandemic but was not renewed.

“The pandemic showed us that internet access is not a luxury but a tool people need to participate in everyday life,” said Othiamba Umi, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for Advocacy. “For a rural state like New Mexico, it’s especially important for older New Mexicans to be able to take advantage of telehealth services and helps them stay connected and reduces social isolation.”

When federal funding lapsed, sponsors Sen. Michael Padilla, Rep. Pamelya Herndon and Rep. Debra Sariñana, recognized the need for critical assistance.

“AARP New Mexico supported the bill, which received overwhelming support in both legislative chambers before being signed by the governor,” Umi said.

During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers introduced 686 bills. SB152 was one of 74 bills that reached the governor’s desk, and of those, she signed 71 into law.

“For AARP, the 2026 Legislative Session was relatively successful,” Umi said. “This 30-day session definitely had a different feel from past shorter sessions. It was fast-paced from the beginning, and major issues like the medical compact and medical malpractice legislation took significant focus and energy.”

In addition to SB 152, several other bills supported by AARP New Mexico were signed into law including:

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SB21 -- Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment: Amends the Medicare Supplement Act to require insurers to offer an annual open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policyholders, beginning on their birthday month and lasting at least 60 days.

SB1-- Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act: Enters New Mexico into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing physicians licensed in participating states to practice more easily across state lines to improve access to care.

HB50 – Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact: Enters New Mexico into the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across participating states. Maintains state regulatory authority while improving access to social work services.

HB200 – New Homes for New Mexico Program: Creates the “New Homes for New Mexico Program” within the New Mexico Finance Authority. Provides $25 million in funding to support loans that help eligible buyers purchase starter homes. Improves access to affordable housing.

HB285 – Disabled Veteran Property Tax Changes: Clarifies eligibility for the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption. Specifies residency requirements and outlines how exemptions are determined when multiple qualified veterans co-own a property to help preserve and improve property tax relief.

SB101 – Health Care Delivery and Access Act Repeal: Makes the Health Care Delivery and Access Act permanent by removing its scheduled sunset date. Ensures continued support for rural hospitals and Medicaid-directed payment programs statewide, helping stabilize the health care market.