New Mexico Lawmakers Champion Non-Criminal Solutions for Transformative Behavioral Health Reform

Recently, lawmakers in New Mexico have been discussing significant changes to the state’s mental health system. Their aim is to ensure that these reforms don’t funnel more individuals into the criminal justice system.

This year, New Mexico passed two important laws to revamp mental health services. More than a decade ago, former Governor Susana Martinez dismantled many of these services, leaving a void. The new laws empower local communities to organize into “behavioral health regions.” These regions can identify their unique needs and present their plans for funding to the newly established Behavioral Health Reform Executive Committee.

At their first meeting, the committee voted to create these regions. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is collaborating with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. They are using Sequential Intercept Mapping, a model that identifies key points where those struggling with mental health or substance use issues can receive help.

During discussions, lawmakers raised concerns about the model’s heavy emphasis on the police and the courts, questioning whether it could cater to all individuals with mental health issues—not just those in contact with law enforcement.

Rep. Liz Thomson, who leads the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee, expressed her worries about the new system appearing overly linked to criminality rather than focusing on health. She emphasized the need for early intervention and treatment rather than waiting for crises to occur.

Sen. Jay Block added that the goal of these reforms is to gather data to understand where resources should be distributed to best aid those in need. He pointed out that New Mexico faces a significant behavioral health crisis, and treating it as a public health issue, rather than a criminal one, is crucial.

AOC Deputy Director Sarah Jacobs stated that their plans will involve reduced interaction with criminal justice, aiming for a more health-oriented approach. The law allows local stakeholders to set their own priorities, making it clear that the court’s agenda won’t dictate them.

The Executive Committee will oversee these plans. If a region’s proposal focuses primarily on criminal justice, it will be questioned. The aim is to ensure all areas, including families and children, are considered in the plans.

The committee expects local regions to submit their proposals by July 2026. An upcoming meeting on August 5 will provide further guidance on how these regions should operate.

As this reform unfolds, it highlights a growing recognition that mental health issues require compassionate, immediate responses rather than punitive measures. More than ever, communities are advocating for holistic support systems that prioritize health over criminality.

For more insights into these critical legislative changes, you can follow Source NM’s coverage on behavioral health reform.

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