Staff Reports
SANTA FE — With the stroke of her pen, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a landmark bill that will make broadband affordable to as many as 27,000 low-income New Mexico families in the first year March 6.
The governor signed Senate Bill 152, broadband affordability legislation that established the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program.
SB 152 authorizes $10 million in broadband funding to help low-income families afford broadband service. The funding would come from the State Rural Universal Service Fund, administered by the Public Regulation Commission which has $40 million specifically earmarked for broadband programs by statute.
“This law sends a clear message that all New Mexicans deserve access to broadband despite their income,” Jeff Lopez, director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, said in a March 6 press release. “The governor’s signature ensures that tens of thousands of New Mexicans will now be able to afford high-speed internet. I am grateful the governor and the Legislature took action on this important bipartisan issue to help low-income families pay for this vital infrastructure.”
The new law specifies that after the first year up to $45 million may be authorized to provide broadband subsidies. That could mean more than 100,000 low-income families would receive broadband assistance.
New Mexico is one of the first states to enact a law to replace the now defunct federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which had provided broadband discounts for millions of Americans.
The New Mexico Senate unanimously passed SB 152 by a vote of 38-0. The House approved the legislation 48-14.
Sen. Majority Whip Michael Padilla, a strong broadband proponent, who helped create the state broadband office, introduced the bill. Reps. Pamelya Herndon and Debra Sariñana co-sponsored it.
he legislation was prepared by OBAE in consultation with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
The new law goes into effect May 20.
