Budget & Taxes (Audits & Accountability)

SB 258 requires New Mexico's Legislative Finance Committee staff to prepare fiscal impact reports for proposed state agency rules expected to cost $10 million or more annually. It directly affects state agencies proposing such rules (which must provide cost data) and legislative leaders (who can request the reports). The bill mandates that reports include the agency's cost estimates, the rule's legal basis, projected impacts on state budgets and private businesses, and analysis sources. This change aims to provide lawmakers with standardized financial data before approving major regulatory changes. The bill applies only to rules with significant fiscal effects, not routine regulations.

HB 68 allocates $2 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Workforce Solutions Department for a healthcare recruitment program in fiscal year 2027. This funding directly supports efforts to attract healthcare workers to the state, primarily benefiting healthcare facilities and providers facing staffing shortages. The bill specifies that any unspent funds at year-end must return to the general fund, ensuring fiscal accountability. The program aims to strengthen healthcare workforce availability without altering existing regulations or creating new requirements.

HB 158 requires state agencies receiving funds from the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust to submit detailed accountability and evaluation plans for their programs. These plans must outline goals, evidence-based practices, performance measures, evaluation methods, and public reporting timelines. Agencies must submit initial plans by July 1 each year after funding is approved, with potential revisions by September 1, and final evaluations by July 15 of the program’s last funding year. The bill aims to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes for public spending from this specific trust fund.