HB 246 appropriates $62 million from the state general fund over fiscal years 2027-2029 to provide matching state funds for political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities) that have received federal approval to acquire and rehabilitate floodplain land. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to address flood risks by restoring floodplain areas to their natural state, reducing threats to life, safety, and public infrastructure. Key provisions require state matching funds to be used only for land already approved for federal assistance, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund by 2029. This policy change enables local flood risk mitigation projects through combined federal-state funding.
SB 61 allocates $5 million from New Mexico's general fund to support rural library operations through fiscal years 2027 and 2028, with a maximum of $2.5 million spent each year. The funding is directed to the Cultural Affairs Department to help sustain library services in rural communities. Any unspent funds by the end of 2028 will return to the state general fund. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or eligibility criteria specified.
SB 202 creates two funds to support physician training in New Mexico: a $100 million Physician Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund (to be invested and managed) and an $8 million Physician Graduate Medical Education Program Fund (to directly support training). Starting in 2027, the program fund will receive annual distributions from the trust fund and use $8 million over two years to specifically aid medical training programs in rural and underserved areas. This includes up to $2.5 million annually for programs developing accreditation applications, $0.5 million for newly accredited programs, and $1 million for established programs. The bill ensures these funds remain available for their intended purpose without reverting to the trust fund.
HB 261 allocates $3 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Public Education Department to provide grants for small rural school districts to purchase buses specifically for student activities (such as sports and clubs). The funds must be expended by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any unused balance reverting to the general fund. This bill directly affects small rural school districts that lack resources for activity transportation. It is a funding measure, not a policy change, providing targeted financial support for existing extracurricular needs.
SB 197 provides $2.5 million in state funding for the Raton Animal Shelter during fiscal year 2027. The bill directs the Department of Finance and Administration to contract for spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, and physical improvements at the shelter. This funding directly supports the shelter's operations and the animals it serves in Raton, New Mexico. Any unspent funds at year-end would return to the state general fund.
SB 195 appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration for fiscal year 2027. This funding contracts training and outreach services specifically for elected supervisors serving on soil and water conservation districts statewide. The bill directly affects local district officials by providing resources to enhance their capacity in conservation management. Any unspent funds at year-end revert to the general fund, ensuring the appropriation is limited to one fiscal year.
SB 189 requires all group health insurance plans in New Mexico (including employer self-insurance) to cover specific reproductive and gender-affirming care without deductibles, copays, or prior authorization. It mandates coverage for abortion care, gender-affirming care, contraception (including no cost-sharing for required services), and establishes a special enrollment period for pregnancy-related coverage. The bill applies to most plans but excludes high-deductible plans until the deductible is met and short-term/limited-benefit plans. This directly affects insurers and enrollees by removing financial barriers to these services under New Mexico's Health Care Purchasing Act.
HB 190 appropriates $1 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Workforce Solutions Department for fiscal year 2027 to provide eviction prevention and housing assistance specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill directly affects LGBTQ+ New Mexicans facing housing instability by funding targeted support services. Key provisions include mandatory use of funds for housing-related aid during 2027, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by year-end. The legislation focuses on concrete funding allocation without altering eligibility rules or creating new mandates.
House Memorial 22 (HM 22) is a non-binding memorial requesting that the New Mexico Association of Counties and New Mexico Municipal League inform their members about the benefits of forming flood control districts under the existing Flood Control District Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 72, Article 18). It aims to raise awareness among local and regional governments about using this established legal framework to address flood risks, particularly following wildfires and climate change impacts that increase flooding. The memorial does not create new laws or funding but encourages proactive planning through existing state law. It directly affects county and municipal governments by providing information about a pre-existing tool for flood management.
HB 170 appropriates $1.4 million from the state general fund to the University of New Mexico's Board of Regents for its Basic Needs Project during fiscal year 2027. The funds will support UNM's existing program addressing student needs like food and housing insecurity. Any unspent money at year-end must revert to the state general fund. This bill directly affects UNM students through its funding mechanism, with no new policy requirements beyond the financial allocation.
HB 42 allocates $200,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department for fiscal year 2027. The funds will contract with providers to supply frozen food, including medically tailored meals, to communities facing high food insecurity, limited healthy food access, and populations with medical conditions requiring special diets. The bill directly affects vulnerable residents in these underserved communities by improving access to nutritious, condition-specific food options. Any unspent funds at year-end will revert to the general fund.
SB 170 creates a tax credit for New Mexico taxpayers who donate money to licensed child care facilities serving children under 12. Individuals and businesses can claim a credit equal to their donation (up to $500,000 annually), reducing their state income tax bill or receiving a refund if the credit exceeds taxes owed. To qualify, donations must be monetary, go to facilities meeting state enrollment standards for child care subsidies, and be certified by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. The total annual credit value across all taxpayers is capped at $10 million, with applications processed in order of receipt. This policy directly affects donors and licensed child care facilities, aiming to support child care access through tax incentives.
