New Mexico Senate Bill Would Fund $10M Broadband Subsidy

Jan. 27, 2026 – New Mexico State Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo, introduced a bill Monday to authorize $10 million to assist New Mexico households with the cost of broadband service. 

Prepared in consultation with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, or Senate Bill 152, would draw funding from $40 million earmarked for the State Rural Universal Service Fund. 

The legislation mandates that for the first year, the PRC use $10 million for broadband affordability. During subsequent years, the bill specifies that the PRC may provide up to $45 million for affordability programs.