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Committee gives do-pass to bill to preserve federal benefits for children in CYFD custody
Summary
Senate Bill 283 would require that children in the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department receive and retain federal benefits to which they are eligible, and that they receive financial‑literacy training before leaving custody. The committee voted to give the bill a do-pass recommendation.
Senate Bill 283, a measure aimed at ensuring children in the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) receive and can retain federal benefits such as Social Security survivors’ or Supplemental Security Income, received a do-pass recommendation from the House Health & Human Services subcommittee.
The sponsor said the bill responds to documented cases in which the department applied for federal benefits on behalf of children and then used those benefits to reimburse the state for care costs without clear notice to judges, attorneys or the children themselves. The sponsor cited a Congressional Research Service report noting that in 2018 New Mexico received nearly $8 million on behalf of children in state custody who were entitled to SSI or other federal benefits.
Senate Bill 283 would require CYFD to help children who qualify obtain and save federal benefits for current and future needs and would require the department to provide financial‑literacy and planning tools before children leave custody. The sponsor said the bill mirrors prior legislation (House Bill 364) that previously passed the committee. Supporters from child‑welfare advocacy groups spoke in favor; no opposition was recorded during the hearing.
Representative Eleanor Chavez moved a do pass recommendation; Representative Anaya seconded. With no opposition announced, the committee advanced the bill with a do-pass recommendation.
Why it matters: proponents said the bill restores transparency and helps children retain benefit payments intended for their long‑term support, adding financial‑planning supports as they transition from custody.
