44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

RELATING TO TOBACCO SETTLEMENT REVENUES; CREATING THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT TRUST FUND AND THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT INCOME FUND; EARMARKING CERTAIN TOBACCO SETTLEMENT REVENUE AND INCOME FOR CERTAIN HEALTH-RELATED PURPOSES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

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

Section 1. TOBACCO SETTLEMENT REVENUES--DISPOSITION.--The state treasurer shall distribute the following amounts to the following funds from every amount distributed to the state pursuant to the master settlement agreement entered into between tobacco product manufacturers and the various states, including New Mexico, and executed November 23, 1998 or transferred to the state from a qualified escrow fund authorized by a qualifying state statute enacted pursuant to the master settlement agreement:

A. an amount equal to thirty-five percent of the distribution to the tobacco settlement trust fund; and

B. an amount equal to sixty-five percent of the distribution to the tobacco settlement health fund.

Section 2. TOBACCO SETTLEMENT TRUST FUND CREATED--REVENUES--INCOME DISTRIBUTION.--The "tobacco settlement trust fund" is created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of money transferred to the fund from distributions to the state pursuant to the master settlement agreement entered into between tobacco product manufacturers and the various states, including New Mexico, and executed November 23, 1998 or transferred to the state from a qualified escrow fund authorized by a qualifying state statute enacted pursuant to the master settlement agreement. Money in the fund shall be invested by the state investment officer as land grant permanent funds are invested pursuant to Chapter 6, Article 8 NMSA 1978. Money in the fund shall not be expended for any purpose. One-half of the income earned from investment of the fund shall accrue to the fund and one-half shall be distributed annually to the tobacco settlement health fund for appropriation by the legislature as provided by law.

Section 3. TOBACCO SETTLEMENT HEALTH FUND CREATED--PURPOSE.--The "tobacco settlement health fund" is created in the state treasury and shall consist of distributions to the fund of earnings from investment of the tobacco settlement trust fund and tobacco settlement revenues deposited in the fund. An amount equal to the following percentages of the money deposited in the fund in the prior fiscal year shall be appropriated by the legislature in any fiscal year as follows:

A. sixty-five percent for chronic disease prevention services and programs; and

B. thirty-five percent for tobacco cessation and prevention programs.

Section 4. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.