SENATE HEALTH AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR SENATE BILL 307

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE; CREATING THE SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ADDRESS SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE.

 

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

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE TASK FORCE CREATED.--

          A. The "substance and alcohol abuse task force" is created to study and develop a comprehensive approach to address substance and alcohol abuse.

          B. The task force consists of nine members, with the chair appointed by the secretary of health and the other eight members appointed by the majority and minority floor leaders of the house of representatives and the senate. The members of the task force shall:

               (1) have at least one member of an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo located wholly or partially within New Mexico;

                (2) have substantial expertise in medical and behavioral sciences;

                (3) live and work in various parts of the state so as to provide broad geographical representation; and

                (4) not consist of more than four members of the same political party.

          C. The task force shall be appointed by July 1, 2024. Staff for the task force shall be provided by the department of health.

          D. Public members of the task force shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

          E. The task force shall:

                (1) make recommendations to create innovative policies of prevention and care to improve the health and well-being of New Mexico residents suffering from substance and alcohol addiction;

                (2) study the health disparities and treatment disparities of persons addicted to alcohol and other substances in diverse communities;

                (3) study the health effects of the legalization of recreational cannabis and whether legalization has led to increased cannabis addiction or increased addiction to other substances; and

                (4) collect and analyze data and make recommendations to the legislature regarding incentives to decrease alcohol and substance abuse in the state.

          F. Annually, no later than November 1, the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee.

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