(Santa Fe, NM) — New Mexico Senate Democrats today marked the passage of Senate Bill 14 on the Senate Floor, a piece of legislation aimed to significantly expand the state’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to attract and retain healthcare providers in underserved communities across New Mexico.
Sponsored by Senators Martin Hickey (D – Albuquerque) and Natalie Figueroa (D – Albuquerque), SB 14 has received strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process, passing unanimously through both the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee (10-0) and the Senate Finance Committee (9-0) before today’s Floor vote of 35-2.
“New Mexico families deserve access to quality healthcare no matter where they live,” said Senator Hickey. “Senate Bill 14 represents a major step forward in addressing our state’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals. By offering competitive loan repayment assistance, we’re making it possible for doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers to practice in the communities that need them most.”
The legislation provides substantial enhancements to the existing loan repayment program:
- Physicians will be eligible for up to $300,000 in loan repayment assistance ($75,000 per year for four years), with potential extension to $375,000 for a fifth year
- Other health professionals will receive up to $120,000 ($40,000 per year for three years)
- Recipients commit to practicing full-time in designated medical shortage areas in New Mexico
- A $25 million appropriation from the General Fund will support the expanded program
“With the average cost of medical school exceeding $265,000 nationally, we must be competitive in recruiting and retaining healthcare talent,” said Senator Figueroa. “This investment will help ensure that New Mexicans in rural and underserved communities have access to the care they deserve.”
The bill addresses a pressing need across the state. In FY 2026 alone, the New Mexico Higher Education Department awarded 401 new loan repayment awards across 25 designated critical shortage counties. Advocates note that thousands of healthcare positions remain unfilled, par
Healthcare organizations, professional associations, and community advocates stood in support of the legislation throughout the committee process.
“This is about investing in the health and well-being of every New Mexican,” continued Senator Hickey. “By supporting healthcare professionals who commit to serving our communities, we’re building a stronger, healthier New Mexico for generations to come.”
Senate Bill 14 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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