SENATE MEMORIAL 16

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

INTRODUCED BY

Shannon D. Pinto and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez

and George K. Mu oz and Benny Shendo, Jr. And Peter Wirth

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CREATION OF THE SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ADDRESS SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE.

 

     WHEREAS, alcohol and substance abuse is extremely high in New Mexico, including on lands of Indian nations, tribes and pueblos; and

     WHEREAS, additional alcohol and substance abuse treatment and recovery services are desperately needed throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, legalization of recreational cannabis may be causing an increase in cannabis addiction or addiction to other substances; and

     WHEREAS, many persons in New Mexico are harmed by spouses and relatives in need of alcohol and substance abuse services; and

     WHEREAS, the needs of communities that are disproportionately impacted by excessive alcohol and substance abuse need to be addressed;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature consider creating the "substance and alcohol abuse task force" to study and develop a comprehensive approach to address substance and alcohol abuse; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that the task force be composed 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; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that the members of the task force:

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

          B. have at least one member with research or practical experience in alcohol harm reduction strategies;

          C. have substantial expertise in medical and behavioral sciences;

          D. live and work in various parts of the state so as to provide broad geographical representation; and

          E. not consist of more than four members of the same political party; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that the task force be appointed by July 1, 2024 and that the staff for the task force be provided by the department of health; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that public members of the task force receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that the task force:

          A. 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;

          B. study the health disparities and treatment disparities of persons addicted to alcohol and other substances in New Mexico's diverse communities;

          C. 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

          D. collect and analyze data and make recommendations to the legislature regarding incentives to decrease alcohol and substance abuse in the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature consider that annually, no later than November 1, the task force report its findings and recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the legislative health and human services committee, the secretary of health and the majority and minority floor leaders of the house of representatives and the senate.

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