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Quick votes: committee advances two short bills on MEVIA budgets and veterinary noncompete clauses
Summary
The committee gave due‑pass recommendations to two noncontroversial bills: HB357 (adjusting MEVIA self‑directed waiver budgets to equalize nonprofit vs. private provider receipts) and HB366 (phasing out veterinarian noncompete clauses to aid recruitment and retention). Both bills advanced without recorded opposition in the committee hearing.
The Health & Human Services Committee advanced two administratively focused bills with little debate.
HB357 would address a funding disparity in the DD waiver service known as MEVIA (self‑directed waiver). Supporters said nonprofit providers currently receive the full budget amount while privately owned providers incur gross receipts tax (GRT) deductions that reduce the services a participant can purchase; the bill would equalize the budget so participants receive the full allotment regardless of provider type. Disability Rights New Mexico, provider representatives and family advocates testified in favor. The committee recorded a due‑pass recommendation.
HB366 would phase out noncompete clauses in employment contracts for veterinarians, aligning state law with federal action and making it easier for veterinarians to moonlight, volunteer at emergency clinics and accept additional work. Supporters said eliminating noncompetes would aid recruitment and retention, especially in rural and tribal areas. The committee recorded a due‑pass recommendation on the bill as presented.
Both bills will be considered in subsequent legislative stages, including committee of reference and appropriations where applicable.
