HOUSE BILL 75

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz" Thomson

 

 

FOR THE INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND

THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR COUNTY AND TRIBAL HEALTH COUNCILS STATEWIDE.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. The following amounts are appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 for the following purposes:

                (1) forty-three million dollars ($43,000,000) to fund and support county and tribal health councils statewide to carry out the functions as provided for in the County and Tribal Health Councils Act. Funding may be used to:

                     (a) provide salaries and benefits for staff positions;

                     (b) expand county and tribal health council capacity to provide services;

                     (c) expand county and tribal health council operations and functions;

                     (d) assist in the coordination and navigation of essential services through key collaborations with state agencies, health care management organizations and organizations that serve medicaid and medicare recipients;

                     (e) increase community outreach and engagement programs to improve community awareness and understanding of county and tribal health council services;

                     (f) increase public health intervention, prevention and education efforts;

                     (g) facilitate collaboration and networking with health care stakeholders across the state;

                     (h) support policy and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing health equity;

                     (i) pay for the costs of running county and tribal health councils, including: 1) overhead expenses for offices and health hub locations; 2) travel reimbursements; and 3) supplies; and

                     (j) cover other indirect expenses incurred by county and tribal health councils; and

                (2) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the department of health to contract with a nonprofit organization to provide training, technical assistance and other supports to county and tribal health councils.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining

at the end of fiscal year 2026 shall revert to the general

fund.

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