New Mexico Senate approves health care, environmental and community initiatives
Legislative actions include prescription drug donations, wildfire prevention and support for New Mexico United soccer
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - On the final Sunday of the 60-day legislative session, the New Mexico Senate approved several bills addressing health care access, environmental protection and community recognition.
Senate Bill 122 passed unanimously (40 to 0), expanding the state's Prescription Drug Donation Program. This legislation allows both in-state and out-of-state pharmacies experienced in handling donated medications to distribute them through physical locations or mail-order services. The program aims to improve access to costly medications, including cancer treatments.
"By expanding this program and increasing the pool of potential donors and providers, more New Mexicans will have access to the prescription drugs they need, including drugs that may be otherwise prohibitively expensive or difficult to come by," said Sen. Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), the bill’s sponsor.
The Senate also concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 82, related to Public School Capital Outlay, which now awaits the governor's signature.
Additional legislation passed includes:
- Senate Bill 377 – New Mexico United license plate (passed 37 to 2): Authorizes the creation of a special license plate honoring New Mexico's professional soccer team, New Mexico United. Proceeds from the sale of these plates will support youth soccer programs in the state.
- Senate Bill 247 – Publication of certain educational information (passed 39 to 0): Mandates the Public Education Department to annually publish statewide testing results, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and special education status, to enhance transparency and address educational disparities.
- House Bill 214 – Doula Credentialing and Access Act (passed 37 to 0): Establishes a voluntary credentialing process for doulas, allowing them to enroll as Medicaid providers. This initiative aims to improve maternal health outcomes by integrating doulas into the health care system.
- House Bill 66 – Workers’ compensation changes (passed 25 to 14): Introduces modifications to the state's workers' compensation system, including adjustments to benefit calculations and eligibility criteria, to enhance fairness and efficiency.
- House Bill 308 – Remove MRGCD from Local Election Act (passed 38 to 0): Exempts the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District from the Local Election Act, allowing it to conduct its elections separately, thereby addressing specific governance needs.
- House Bill 175 – Forest and watershed buffer projects (passed 36 to 0): Allocates funds for projects aimed at creating buffers in forests and watersheds to reduce wildfire risks and protect water resources.
- House Bill 161 – State park day passes for veterans (passed 39 to 0): Provides free day-use access to state parks for veterans, recognizing their service and encouraging outdoor recreation.
These legislative actions reflect the Senate's commitment to enhancing health care accessibility, environmental stewardship and community engagement across New Mexico.