FIFTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATUREHB 4/a

SECOND SESSION, 2026


February 17, 2026


Mr. President:


    Your FINANCE COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred


     HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS & FINANCE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 4


has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it DO PASS, amended as follows:


    1. On page 1, line 12, before the period, insert "AND THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FUND; REQUIRING UNEXPENDED MONEY IN THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FUND TO REVERT TO THE HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY FUND AT THE END OF A FISCAL YEAR."


    2. On page 1, line 18, before the period, insert "--BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FUND" and before "A", insert the subsection designation "A.".


    3. On page 2, line 4, strike the subsection designation "A." and insert in lieu thereof the paragraph designation "(1)".


    4. On page 2, line 6, strike the subsection designation "B." and insert in lieu thereof the paragraph designation "(2)".


    5. On page 2, line 8, strike the subsection designation "C." and insert in lieu thereof the paragraph designation "(3)" and strike "one hundred" and insert in lieu thereof "ninety-five".


    6. On page 2, line 9, strike the closing quotation mark and between lines 9 and 10, insert:


         "B. Beginning September 1, 2028, a distribution pursuant to Section 7-1-6.1 NMSA 1978 shall be made to the behavioral health program fund in an amount equal to five percent of the net receipts attributable to the health insurance premium surtax; provided that if the rate of the health insurance premium surtax is reduced pursuant to Subsection F of Section 7-40-3 NMSA 1978, no distribution pursuant to this section shall be made."


    SECTION 2. Section 24A-3-6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2025, Chapter 2, Section 2) is amended to read:


    "24A-3-6. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FUND.--


         A. The "behavioral health program fund" is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of distributions, appropriations, gifts, grants, donations and income from investment of the fund. The health care authority shall administer the fund. Money in the fund is subject to appropriation by the legislature to provide money for services and programs related to behavioral health, including:


             (1) mental health and substance misuse treatment, intervention and prevention;


             (2) necessary infrastructure, technology and workforce supports that facilitate the delivery of behavioral health services and programs;


             (3) matching funds for federal, local and private money and grants related to behavioral health services and programs;


             (4) offsetting costs incurred to comply with federal requirements related to behavioral health services and programs; and


             (5) implementation of regional behavioral health plans throughout the state.


         B. Expenditures from the fund shall be by warrant of the secretary of finance and administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary of health care authority or the secretary's authorized representative. Any unexpended [or unencumbered] balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall revert to the [behavioral health trust] health care affordability fund."".


 

 

                               Respectfully submitted,




                               ___________________________________

                               Senator George Muñoz, Chair




Adopted_______________________ Not Adopted_______________________

          (Chief Clerk) (Chief Clerk)



                  Date ________________________



The roll call vote was 6 For 3 Against

Yes:     Campos, Gonzales, Padilla, Shendo, Steinborn, Trujillo

No:      Lanier, Tobiassen, Woods

Excused: Brandt, Muñoz

Absent:  None



HB0004FC1.wpd                                               234186.1