HCA News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico parents who are behind on child support payments may be denied hunting or fishing licenses under the state’s Parental Responsibility Act.

“Enjoying the outdoors through hunting and fishing is a New Mexico tradition that parents often share with their kids,” said Betina Gonzales McCracken, director of the Health Care Authority’s Child Support Services Division. “We want to help parents meet their child support commitment and get a recreational license.”

Each month, the child support program provides a certified list of parents who are behind on child support to 63 state agencies that issue licenses. Parents who want to avoid delays in getting a hunting or fishing license can contact the Child Support Services Division by visiting YES.NM.GOV or calling 800.283.4465.   

Once a parent is up to date with child support payments, they will need to pay a $25 reinstatement fee, which can be paid through their Department of Wildlife customer account or by calling 1.888.248.6866.   

For unemployed or underemployed parents, the program offers STEPUp!, a collaborative effort with the Department of Workforce Solutions to help parents with job opportunities and training so they can meet their monthly obligations. In 2025, 57% of those referrals resulted in parents paying.

Last year the program collected $119 million in child support, 99% of which goes directly to families rather than public assistance recoveries, and 65% is collected through wage withholdings from employed parents.