Sen. Nicole Tobiassen

Maddy summarySB 283 requires New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to determine federal benefits eligibility for children in its custody within 60 days of entry and annually thereafter. CYFD must apply for eligible benefits on the child's behalf, act as the child's representative payee (if no one else is available), and manage those benefits solely for the child's needs - prohibiting use of benefits to cover CYFD care costs. The bill mandates annual financial accounting to the child and relevant parties (like guardians or tribes), provides financial literacy tools before a child leaves custody, and requires CYFD to release remaining funds to the child (if 18+) or their parent/guardian upon custody termination. CYFD must also submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2026 detailing benefit usage. This bill directly affects children in state custody and CYFD's administrative procedures for federal benefit management.