HOMELESS STUDENT LIAISON

HB 537 requires New Mexico's public colleges and universities (excluding specialized institutions like the military academy) to appoint a full-time staff member as a "homeless student liaison" starting in 2026. The liaison must identify students experiencing homelessness (using FAFSA data), connect them with campus and community resources for basic needs, assist with financial aid applications, and help manage coursework. The bill also mandates training for faculty/staff to recognize homelessness and requires the Higher Education Department to administer annual student surveys on homelessness. It appropriates $500,000 for training and survey costs in fiscal year 2026.