Acting Governor Howie Morales has signed House Bill 1, which allocates up to $20 million per week from New Mexico’s general fund operating reserve to provide food assistance for residents. The move comes amid ongoing uncertainty regarding federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the administration of President Donald Trump.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commented on the situation, stating, “The Trump administration’s chaotic approach to SNAP funding during the shutdown demonstrates exactly why this special session was important. We told New Mexicans we would stand up for them, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. New Mexicans won’t go hungry while Republicans in Washington, D.C. manufacture crisis after crisis.”
The legislation was passed by lawmakers in a special session and is intended to ensure that approximately 460,000 New Mexicans who rely on SNAP benefits continue to receive support through January 19, 2026—if federal funds are unavailable.
“No New Mexico families will go hungry thanks to the efficient work of our state legislators and the leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today. I am proud that we came together in the best spirit as New Mexicans to make sure vulnerable families in our state are taken care of. This legislation ensures New Mexicans can feed their families this holiday season,” Morales said.
In addition to food assistance funding, House Bill 1 sets aside $100,000 for enhanced security protocols and infrastructure at the Administrative Office of the Courts. It also transfers $30 million from the general fund operating reserve into an appropriation contingency fund for future emergencies.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth addressed the importance of SNAP: “SNAP is a lifeline for over 460,000 New Mexicans, including children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities. It reduces poverty, supports health and stimulates our economy,” he said. “Protecting full access to food assistance benefits is both a moral necessity and smart economic policy, and I’m proud the legislature came together today to see that these benefits will not lapse regardless of what happens in Washington D.C.”
House Speaker Javier Martínez added: “Right now, nearly half a million seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working parents across our state are worrying about where their next meal will come from—all because the Trump Administration is fighting tooth and nail to avoid their obligation to fund SNAP. Once again, our state is coming together to deliver the critical services New Mexicans cannot live without.”
Earlier this month, eligible residents received full November SNAP benefits after federal authorities initially indicated compliance with a court order but later reversed course—leaving states uncertain about continued funding.
This legislative action follows previous efforts by Governor Lujan Grisham and lawmakers during an October special session when they allocated $30 million in emergency funds after federal SNAP payments were suspended due to a government shutdown.
SNAP was established under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and serves around 42 million Americans each year. The program also contributes economically; every dollar spent generates up to $1.80 in local economic activity.
Morales expressed gratitude for legislative cooperation: “I want to thank Speaker Martínez, Senate Pro Tem Stewart for presiding over the Senate in my absence, Senate Majority Leader Wirth and all the legislators on both sides of the aisle who came together to protect New Mexican families.”
The bill ensures continuity of food assistance only if federal support lapses.
