NM YOUTH FILM & MEDIA DEVELOPMENT ACT

HB 353 creates the New Mexico Youth Film and Media Development Act, establishing a $250,000 annual grant fund administered by the state's Higher Education Department. The program provides grants to organizations offering hands-on film and media training for youth aged 12-18, with specific requirements to serve at least 100 schools across one-third of New Mexico counties and engage at least half of the state’s Native nations, tribes, and pueblos. Recipients must submit annual reports tracking youth participation, school coverage, tribal engagement, and program impact on participants’ educational and career opportunities. The bill appropriates $1.5 million total for the fund, starting in fiscal year 2026, prioritizing rural and tribal communities to expand access to film industry careers.