Committee advances bill to authorize overdose prevention centers under harm‑reduction statute

The Health & Human Services Committee voted 5–4 to recommend passage of House Bill 355, which would amend New Mexico’s Harm Reduction Act to authorize overdose prevention programs — supervised sites where people may consume previously obtained controlled substances under trained supervision — and extend civil and certain criminal immunity protections to program staff and participants.

Supporters, including public‑health and harm‑reduction providers, the ACLU’s Public Safety Coalition, Behavioral Health Providers Association and medical experts, told the committee the sites reduce fatal overdoses, increase access to treatment and lower public drug use and associated litter. Multiple witnesses cited research and international experience, and operators said these programs serve as a pathway to treatment: one witness noted regular participants access detox and addiction services at higher rates.

Opponents and several committee members raised questions about the bill’s scope and whether it creates treatment capacity. Members asked whether trained clinicians or nurses would staff sites and how programs would be funded; sponsors and witnesses said the Department of Health’s existing harm‑reduction infrastructure would be the framework and that treatment remains voluntary, with evidence showing overdose prevention sites increase treatment referrals.

The committee recorded the due‑pass recommendation by roll call, 5 in favor and 4 opposed. The vote advances the bill to the next legislative steps; sponsors and the Department of Health will coordinate rulemaking details, staffing and funding questions during subsequent stages.