Santa Fe, NM – Today, marking a major step forward in the legislature’s shared commitment to addressing New Mexico’s behavioral health and public safety crisis, a suite of behavioral health bills cleared the Senate floor, now advancing to the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support.
Senate Bill 3 (passed 37-5), the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, empowers a newly established Behavioral Health Executive Committee to create behavioral health regions across the state (based on counties or judicial districts). With key stakeholder engagement, each region will then conduct a sequential intercept resource mapping, identifying existing behavioral health resources and gaps. The executive committee will then make funding decisions based on the unique needs of each region.
SB 3 also includes language that will bolster the behavioral health workforce pipeline, customized to each region based on the actual needs identified within regional plans.
“As we work to rebuild our behavioral health system from the ground up, we’re partnering closely with our courts to build a framework that includes all three branches of government and brings all the stakeholders to the table,” said bill sponsor Peter Wirth (D – Santa Fe). “This legislation, which we refer to as the ‘guardrails bill,’ will ensure that the money gets where it’s needed with oversight and accountability.”
Senate Bill 1 (passed 37-5) creates a billion dollar trust fund for behavioral health initiatives across the state. The Health Care Authority would administer annual disbursements from this fund to support mental health and substance abuse treatment, intervention and prevention, as well as the necessary infrastructure, technology, and workforce. The trust fund could also unlock additional matching funds from federal, local, and private sources, providing a vital funding boost to behavioral health services. It will distribute 5% of the rolling three-year average market value of the trust fund annually to a newly created behavioral health program fund.
“The creation of this Behavioral Health Trust Fund represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the state’s growing needs for mental health and substance abuse services,” said bill sponsor Senator Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D – Cerrillos). “By setting aside this substantial amount of funding, the state ensures a sustainable financial foundation for essential behavioral health services for years to come.”
Senate Bill 2 (passed 37-4) earmarks $200 million to expand regional behavioral health services across New Mexico. The bill addresses a wide range of community needs, including planning, diversion, outpatient services, inpatient care, crisis response, mobile units, behavioral health education, homelessness, corrections discharge, and housing. Eligible recipients for the funding include state agencies, local governments, tribes, and federally qualified health centers. SB 2 introduces a new, innovative approach to delivering behavioral healthcare services statewide.
“SB 2 marks a transformative step forward in addressing the behavioral health needs of our communities,” said bill sponsor Senator Benny Shendo (D – Jemez). “This funding will empower regions to tailor solutions that meet their unique challenges, ensuring more New Mexicans have access to the care and services they need and deserve.”
Senate Bills 1, 2, and 3 all now move to the House for further consideration.
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