SB 1 supports statewide expansion of behavioral health services

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a trust fund that would provide long-term support for the expansion of behavioral healthcare across New Mexico. The measure passed with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 46-19, and will now head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

Senate Bill 1 would create the Behavioral Health Trust Fund for the state of New Mexico to support mental health and substance abuse treatment, prevention, and intervention programs throughout the state. The trust fund would distribute 5% of its annual value to fund these programs and support investments in necessary infrastructure, technology, and workforce development to facilitate the expansion of services. The fund could also help New Mexico unlock matching funds from federal, local, and private sources.

"No one should have to make 10 calls to find an appointment when they need behavioral health care, and that's the reality that we are trying to change," said House sponsor House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe). "Senate Bill 1 provides a sustainable, long-term funding source so we can meet New Mexicans' needs today, and for many years to come."

SB 1 works in tandem with Senate Bill 2, which appropriates $200 million in this year's budget to kickstart the trust fund created by SB 1, and Senate Bill 3, which would establish a framework to rebuild New Mexico's behavioral healthcare system with programs and resources tailored to the unique needs of communities across the state.

This legislation has a total of 19 bipartisan sponsors, led by Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos). The bill now moves to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

This session, House and Senate Democrats are working together to improve community safety by reducing gun violence, deterring violent crime, and making record investments in behavioral healthcare and substance use treatment programs to give New Mexicans the help they need when they need it.

"Throughout the interim, we worked closely with our colleagues in the Senate to develop a multi-faceted plan to address our state's behavioral healthcare needs and improve public safety statewide," saidSpeaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "This session, we have worked quickly and thoughtfully to deliver on our promise to advance meaningful legislation that will make our communities safer right away and address long-standing gaps in services for this generation and the next."

House Bill 8, an integrated public safety package, passed the Senate today. The bill will now return to the House for the chamber to concur with amendments made in the Senate.

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.