All Roll Calls
Yes: 86 • No: 14
New MexicoSB 1522026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
LOW-INCOME TELECOMM. ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Sponsored By: Michael Padilla (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Low-income phone help and exemptions
This legislation would create a state low-income telephone assistance program starting July 1, 2026. Eligible households would get reduced phone and qualifying broadband rates, and the Commission would adopt program rules by January 1, 2027. You would qualify if your household includes an at-risk student identified under Yazzie/Martinez, you meet Health Care Authority need-based program rules, or you are eligible for federal Lifeline. Participating carriers would verify eligibility using the national verifier or a Commission-approved alternative, and qualifying subscribers would be exempt from the $1.00 911 surcharge and from the rural fund surcharge on covered services.
Rural fund, carrier support, and caps
This legislation would create and guide a State Rural Universal Service Fund starting July 1, 2026 to pay eligible carriers for basic rural service and to fund rural broadband construction and upkeep. Carriers receiving support would have to spend at least 60% of specified support on rural broadband through December 31, 2028 and 100% of that support in later years. The Commission would be able to award ongoing need-based and rural carrier payments, must act on some requests within 120 days, and must decide most applications within six months (with a possible three-month extension). The law would cap fund obligations: $18 million for access-reduction/need-based/comparable carrier support, $12 million for the broadband program, and low-income assistance capped at $10 million in year one and $45 million per year thereafter. Projects on tribal land would require tribal consent, and the law would repeal Sections 63-9C-1 through 63-9C-6 effective July 1, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael Padilla
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Debra M. Sariñana
Democratic • House
Pamelya Herndon
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/19/2026
Final House Vote
Yes: 48 • No: 14
Senate vote • 2/12/2026
Final Senate Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor - Chapter 34 - Mar. 5
3/5/2026SenatePassed in the House of Representatives - Y:48 N:14
2/18/2026HouseHAFC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
2/17/2026HouseSent to HAFC - Referrals: HAFC
2/12/2026SenatePassed in the Senate - Y:38 N:0
2/12/2026SenateSFC: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution
2/11/2026SenateSTBTC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
2/6/2026SenateSCC: Reported by committee to fall within the purview of a 30 day session
1/27/2026SenateSent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/STBTC/SFC
1/26/2026Senate
Bill Text
Final Version
3/6/2026
HAFC Committee Report 2/17/26
2/17/2026
SFC Committee Report 2/11/26
2/11/2026
SFC Committee Substitute 2/11/26
2/11/2026
STBTC Committee Report 2/06/26
2/6/2026
SCC Committee Report 1/27/26
1/27/2026
Introduced
1/26/2026