Governor signs bill to strengthen public safety response, mental health crisis hotline, and disability support services
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed Senate Bill 535, legislation to strengthen public safety, crisis response, and workers’ compensation through fees and surcharges increases. The bill also establishes a framework for supported decision-making.
“This funding helps local entities with the resources needed to build a modern, equitable emergency communications network statewide,” said DFA Sec. Wayne Propst. “By moving to Next Generation 911, we ensure faster, more reliable emergency response services that will save lives and strengthen public safety across New Mexico.”
“This investment in 988 is an investment in saving lives,” said Health Care Authority Sec. Kari Armijo. “Every New Mexican should have access to compassionate, immediate support during a mental health crisis—this funding helps make that possible.”
SB 535 Breakdown:
- Establish funds for the 988-suicide crisis hotline, increase the telecom relay surcharge, and allocate 80% of the new revenue to crisis services, which the Health Care Authority manages.
- Raises the 911 emergency surcharge from $0.51 to $1.00 per line to modernize emergency response systems through text-to-911, AI-driven call transcriptions and translations, real time video feeds, strengthened cybersecurity, among other upgrades. The funding will flow through DFA to local public entities.
- Increases the workers’ compensation fee from $2.30 to $2.80 and employee fee from $2.00 to $2.50 per quarter by July 1, 2033, funding the Workers’ Compensation Administration and the Uninsured Employers’ Fund.
- Increase the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) utility inspection fee from 0.506% to 0.590%, with payments due July 31. PRC may adjust the fee annually until 2031, capped by the Employment Cost Index.
- Enables adults to receive decision-making support without losing their rights through the Supported Decision-Making Act. It also establishes rules, reporting, and oversight by the Developmental Disabilities Council.