NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB2, HB23, Conflicts with HB2/HAFCS

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health

Human Services Department

Labor Department did not respond

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The bill appropriates $2 million to provide substance abuse and mental health treatment services to participants as provided in the New Mexico Works Act.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill appropriates $2,000.0 in general fund in FY01 to the Department of Health (DOH).

The HAFC substitute for HB2 contains language in Sections 4, 6 and 7 to appropriate the welfare-to-work balances for substance abuse treatment for TANF clients, Native Americans and the general population.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

The bill relates to HB2/HAFCS and SB2 which contain funding (approximately $1 million as in FY00) for continuation of the northern New Mexico substance abuse treatment project in FY01. Also, both bills contain funding for a new substance abuse prevention initiative with HB2/HAFCS providing $2.775 million for the new initiative, and SB2 providing $2.275 million.

The bill also relates to HB23 which provides funding for behavioral health services.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

DOH suggests amending the bill to include all women and their families who require substance abuse and mental health services; and to expand the definition of treatment services to encompass comprehensive treatment to include linkages to primary care services, housing, employment and psychiatric/psychological services.

RAE/gm