RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUNDING; PROVIDING FOR ACCUMULATION OF FUND ALLOCATIONS BY A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

Section 1. Section 24-10A-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978, Chapter 178, Section 4, as amended) is amended to read:

"24-10A-4. FUNDING PROGRAM--PURPOSE--DETERMINATION OF NEEDS.--

A. The "local emergency medical services funding program" is created. The program shall provide for the:

(1) establishment or enhancement of local emergency medical services, including the use of advanced technology equipment;

(2) operational costs other than salaries and benefits of local emergency medical services personnel;

(3) purchase, repair and maintenance of emergency medical services vehicles, equipment and supplies, including the use of advanced technology equipment; and

(4) training and licensing of local emergency medical services personnel.

B. Annually on or before June 1, the bureau shall consider and determine, in accordance with the formula adopted by rule of the department, the amount of distribution to municipalities and counties that have applied for money from the fund. In making its determination, the bureau shall ensure that no municipality or county receives money from the fund for the purpose of accumulation as defined by rule of the department; provided, however, that a municipality or county may accumulate balances for no more than three years to purchase vehicles or equipment if the accumulation and a purchase plan have been approved by the bureau. The bureau shall also ensure that each local recipient is in compliance with the rules of the department."

Section 2. APPLICABILITY.--The provisions of Section 1 of this act apply to the 2001 and subsequent funding cycles.

HB 54

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