New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIII, Issue 16 / August 23, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Department is amending rule 8.119.100 NMAC and 8.119.410 NMAC to comply with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Regulations issued pursuant to the act are contained in 45 CFR parts 400-499. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) issued guidance that expands the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) eligibility period from eight months to twelve months for ORR-eligible populations whose date of eligibility for ORR benefits is on or after October 1, 2021. Historically, due to insufficient appropriations, the RCA eligibility was limited to eight months. The Department is also amending the definition format in 8.119.100 NMAC to comply with Section 14-4-3 NMSA 1978. The rule will be amended under the statutory authority.

Section 9-8-6 NMSA 1978, authorizes the Department Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the duties of the Department and its divisions.

A public hearing to receive testimony on this proposed rule, pursuant to Section 14-4-5.6 NMSA 1978, will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 8:30 am-9:30 am. The hearing will be held virtually through GoTo Meeting, and a phone number will be provided for individuals that would like to participate by phone. https://meet.goto.com/785880941. You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 785-880-941.

All written comments may be dropped off during the scheduled hearing time at the HSD Sandoval County Field Office, 4363 Jager Dr., Rio Rancho, NM 87144.

Individuals wishing to testify may contact the Income Support Division (ISD), P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348, or by calling 505-396-0313. This register and proposed regulations are also available on the Human Services Department website at: http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForInformation/income-support-division-registers.aspx. If you do not have Internet access, a copy of the proposed regulations may be requested by contacting the Income Support Division, P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2348 or by calling 505-396-0313.

If you are a person with a disability and you require this information in an alternative format, or you require a special accommodation to participate in any HSD public hearing, program, or service, please contact the American Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 505-709-5468 or through the New Mexico Relay system, toll free at #711. The Department requests at least a 10-day advance notice to provide requested alternative formats and special accommodations.

Individuals who do not wish to attend the hearing may submit written or recorded comments. Written or recorded comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing, September 22, 2022. The agency shall post all written comments on its website, if one exists, as soon as practicable and no more than 3 business days following receipt to allow for public review. All written comments received by the agency shall also be available for public inspection at the main office of the agency. Please send comments to: Human Services Department P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2348.

You may send comments electronically to: HSD-isdrules@state.nm.us