New Mexico Register / Volume XXIX, Issue 9 / May 15, 2018

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Human Services Department (HSD) will hold a public hearing to allow public comment on the amendment of several rules. The hearing will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the HSD Administrative Services Division (ASD) conference room, 1474 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The conference room is located at the ASD Rodeo Building.

The Human Services Department (Department) is proposing to update amounts in 8.139.610 NMAC to reflect the correct monthly minimum SNAP benefit amount. The Department is updating this section to reflect correct language and citations used in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Department is proposing to remove 8.139.610.9 NMAC, Identification Cards as the Department no longer utilizes these cards and is also proposing to clarify Paragraph (3) of Subsection D of 8.139.610.12 NMAC, to include that all eligible households with three or more members which are entitled to no benefits shall be denied on the grounds that its net income exceeds the level at which benefits are issued. The Department is also clarifying language in Paragraph (3) of Subsection A of 8.139.610.15 NMAC Reduction or Suspension of SNAP benefits if there is an order from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for reduction or suspension of benefits. The Department is also updating language to align with CFR to clarify replacement of EBT cards and imposition of an EBT card replacement fee. The Department is holding a public hearing to adopt the proposed rules, pursuant to Section 14-4-5.2 NMSA.

The Department is proposing these rules pursuant to the statutory authority of the food stamp program as authorized by the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as amended (7 U.S.C. 2011 et. seq.). Regulations issued pursuant to the act are contained in 7 CFR Parts 270-282. State authority for administering the food stamp program is contained in Chapter 27 NMSA 1978. Administration of the Human Services Department (HSD), including its authority to promulgate regulations, is governed by Chapter 9, Article 8 NMSA 1978 (Repl. 1983).

The Human Services Register Vol. 41 No. 7 outlining the regulations is available on the HSD’s website at: http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForInformation/income-support-division-registers.aspx. Individuals wishing to testify or to request a copy of the final regulations should contact the Income Support Division, P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348, or by calling 505-827-7254.

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 505-827-6201 or through the New Mexico Relay system, at 711 or toll free at 1-800-659-1779. 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 comments which must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing, Monday, June 18, 2018. Please send comments to:

Human Services Department

P.O. Box 2348

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2348

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