State Representative Stefani Lord of New Mexico's House District 22 expressed her hope that the Senate would "stop the Homicide Scholarship that rewards juveniles who committed murder with free college and a $2,000 monthly stipend." She made this statement in a post on the social media platform X on March 9.

"Hopefully, the Senate side will stop the Homicide Scholarship that rewards juveniles who committed murder with free college and a $2,000 monthly stipend," said Lord.

According to the House Judiciary Committee, a substitute for House Bill 255 has been recommended. This bill includes a pilot program offering a stipend of up to $2,000 per month to eligible New Mexico residents under 26 who are former foster children. These individuals must have been either adjudicated and incarcerated or aged out of the Fostering Connections program. Eligibility also requires enrollment in post-secondary education, an apprenticeship, or a program designed to promote employment and remove employment barriers. The stipend is intended for living expenses such as housing and will be individualized based on income and public assistance.

Screenshot State Representative Stefani Lord's March 9 post on X. | X

The replacement bill further allocates funds from the Juvenile Community Connections Fund for programs serving adjudicated delinquents. It establishes local panels to determine next steps for youths sentenced to juvenile facilities. Local screening panels can assess whether youths are suitable for community programs and recommend sentence modifications to judges or juvenile departments. Funds from the Juvenile Community Corrections Fund will be distributed as grants to counties, cities, or private organizations providing community programs and services for youths in the juvenile system.

An image accompanying Lord’s post on X shows the third reading and final vote in the House, where the bill passed with 34 votes in favor and 24 against, while 12 legislators were excused from voting.

Lord has represented New Mexico's House District 22 since 2021. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis on neurochemistry from Portland State University. Her background includes being a small business owner and forming a citizen action group called Pro-Gun Women, as noted on her campaign website.