HOUSE BILL 347

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

INTRODUCED BY

Kristina Ortez

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR FINANCIAL AID AND PAID PRACTICUMS FOR STUDENTS IN DEGREE-GRANTING PROGRAMS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FIELDS.

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

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Ten million dollars ($10,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the higher education department for expenditure in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to provide scholarships, other student financial aid and paid practicums for students in bachelor's and master's degree programs in behavioral health fields, including substance addiction counseling, at state universities and tribal colleges in New Mexico as a means to expand enrollment and the number of graduates able to work in behavioral health fields in New Mexico. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2027 shall revert to the general fund.

          B. The higher education department shall distribute funding based on the number of New Mexico residents enrolled in behavioral health programs, including substance addiction counseling programs, in fiscal year 2024. Before making an award, the higher education department shall require a participating state university or tribal college in New Mexico that offers bachelor's or master's degree programs in behavioral health fields to certify that the funding will be used to supplement, not supplant, current funding and expenditures in those degree programs.

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