SENATE BILL 83

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics and Gail Armstrong

FOR THE ECONOMIC AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,

THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

AND THE WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH; CREATING A PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE NEW MEXICO-GROWN FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO SENIOR CENTER MEAL PROGRAMS; FUNDING NUTRITION PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] PILOT PROGRAM--CREATION.--The department of health, in cooperation with city and county governments in New Mexico that operate senior centers, shall establish and operate in fiscal year 2020 the "fresh fruits and vegetables for senior center meals pilot program" to purchase New Mexico-grown fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets, roadside stands and mobile farmers' markets for senior center meal programs approved by the women, infants and children program of the department's public health division. Within two months following the end of fiscal year 2020, the department of health shall report to the interim legislative health and human services committee regarding the efficacy and accomplishments of the pilot program and shall make recommendations on whether the pilot program should be continued or expanded.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2020 to purchase New Mexico-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for the fresh fruits and vegetables for senior center meals pilot program. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2020 shall revert to the general fund.

          B. Four hundred seventy thousand dollars ($470,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2020 to provide financial assistance to qualified seniors pursuant to the farmers' market nutrition program, provided that not more than thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) shall be used for program administration or promotion. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2020 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2019.