(SANTA FE, NM) – On this last Sunday of this 60-day session, today the New Mexico State Senate met to debate and discuss legislation that would improve access to healthcare and prescription drugs, prioritize the use of Land Protection Revolving Funds to lower wildfire risk, and celebrate our state’s beloved professional soccer team. Today’s actions include:
Expanding New Mexico’s Prescription Drug Donation Program
Senate Bill 122 (passed 40-0) expands New Mexico’s existing Prescription Drug Donation Program to allow greater participation in the donation and redistribution of unused prescription drugs. The expanded rule now allows in- and out-of-state pharmacies experienced in managing donated drugs to distribute them through physical or mail-order pharmacies. This program, like similar programs in other states, permits the donation of medication like cancer drugs – a particularly crucial element due to the importance and high cost of such medications.
“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 Senate Bill 122 Sponsor Senator Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D-Cerrillos).
The Senate also concurred with the House of Representatives amendments to Senate Bill 82 – PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY CHANGES. This legislation now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 377 — NM UNITED LICENSE PLATE (Passes 37-2)
- Senate Bill 247 — PUBLICATION OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL INFO (Passes 39-0)
- House Bill 214 — DOULA CREDENTIALING & ACCESS ACT (Passes 37-0)
- House Bill 66 — WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CHANGES (Passes 25-14)
- *House Bill 308 — REMOVE MRGCD FROM LOCAL ELECTION ACT (Passes 38-0)
- House Bill 175 — FOREST & WATERSHED BUFFER PROJECTS (Passes 36-0)
- House Bill 161 — STATE PARK DAY PASSES FOR VETERANS (Passes 39-0)
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