REGIONAL FARM TO FOOD BANK FUNDING

HB 101 appropriates $200 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Department of Agriculture for a regional farm-to-food bank program. The bill directly affects food banks and agricultural producers by funding connections between farms and food distribution networks, aiming to reduce food waste and improve food access. Key provisions include allocating funds for fiscal year 2026 and future years with no requirement to return unspent balances to the general fund. The bill is declared an emergency to take effect immediately, prioritizing rapid implementation of the program.