HOUSE BILL 397

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

INTRODUCED BY

Joanne J. Ferrary and E. Diane Torres-Velásquez

and Michelle Paulene Abeyta and Tara L. Lujan

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE STIPENDS TO UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STUDENTS THAT ARE COMPLETING TRAINING, SUPERVISION OR EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE.

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

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--Two million dollars ($2,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the higher education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 to provide stipends to undergraduate and graduate behavioral health students that are completing training, supervision or experiential requirements necessary to obtain professional licensure. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2026 shall revert to the general fund.