This bill aims to enhance the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee by increasing its membership from eight to twelve members, ensuring proportional representation from both major political parties in each house. It establishes a permanent committee structure, appoints a director who will oversee a year-round staff dedicated to the committee's functions, and outlines the committee's duties to monitor and oversee health and human services programs in New Mexico. The bill also introduces new provisions for the committee to administer oaths and issue subpoenas to state agencies and entities receiving state funding, thereby strengthening its oversight capabilities.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding state agency reporting to the legislature, allowing for more comprehensive submissions and ensuring that legislators can request reports from any state-funded entity. It includes an appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund to support the committee's activities and staffing for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The changes reflect a commitment to improving legislative oversight and responsiveness in health and human services.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 2-3-14.1, 2-13-1, 2-13-2, 2-13-5