For Immediate Release
Contact:
Chris Nordstrum
(415) 601-1992
Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
Santa Fe, NM – Today, House Bill 7: the Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act, key legislation ensuring that New Mexico will remain a place where all people and families are able to access the health care they need to be healthy, passed the senate. Other measures relating to water, economic development, behavioral health, and other topics were also addressed. Below is a breakdown of what passed the floor today:
Protecting Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care
On a 23-15 vote, the Senate passed House Bill 7, the Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care Freedom Act. House Bill 7 prohibits a public body or agent of a public body from discriminating against a person regarding their choice to use or not use reproductive services, or from directly or indirectly denying, restricting, or interfering with a person’s ability to access reproductive or gender-affirming care. This legislation provides definitions for reproductive health care and gender-affirming health care, as well as enumerates enforcement and penalty mechanisms for a public body or their agent who is found in violation.
“Part of my job here as a legislator is to make an effort to make New Mexico a better place every day. I was born and raised here in New Mexico, and throughout my time here at home I have needed access to reproductive services. These services have been essential to my wellbeing and allowed me to get to where I am today; it’s incumbent on the Legislature to safeguard them against restriction or prejudice moving forward,” said Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque).
Water Projects and Economic Development
Senate Bill 314 authorizes a series of water and water treatment projects recommended to the Legislature by the New Mexico Finance Authority and Water Trust Board. The 59 projects funded through this legislation amount to $138.7 million in appropriations.
Senate Bill 327 extends the timeline in which the New Mexico Finance Authority may approve standard projects under the Statewide Economic Development Finance Act. This will assist NMFA and the New Mexico Economic Development Department to collaborate and allocate funds to small businesses.
Prescribing Psychologist Practice Act
Senate Bill 117 expands the criteria for psychologists who would be eligible to prescribe medication to a patient under their care. This legislation establishes a licensing procedure for Prescribing Psychologists, as well as the circumstances in which a prescribing psychologist may provide medication.
“Through Senate Bill 117, New Mexico is moving one step closer to offer full-spectrum behavioral health care in every corner of the state,” said Senator Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces).
Improving Training for Motorcyclists
Senate Bill 396 increases the registration fee for two- and three-wheeled motorcycles from $15 to $20, tripling the allocation-per-registration to the New Mexico Motorcycle Training Fund administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation. This will allow for revitalized training, materials, equipment, and public awareness opportunities available to NMDOT.
Additional legislation passed on the Senate Floor today:
SB198 – ANONYMITY OF LOTTERY WINNERS
SB216 – BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS
SB389 – TOURISM DEPT. SPORTS AUTHORITY DIVISION
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