Committee tables HB58, an appropriation for school mental-health rooms and suicide-prevention training

House Bill 58, which would appropriate funds to the Public Education Department to expand mental-health training and wellness spaces in K'12 schools, was tabled by the committee after sponsors noted the money has already been included in the budget.

Why it matters: Supporters said wellness rooms and local suicide-prevention training can reduce stigma and improve student outcomes. Testimony from union and nonprofit representatives cited rising suicidal behavior among students and the link between mental-health supports and academic outcomes.

Key points from the hearing: Sponsor Representative Herndon told the committee the bill would appropriate money to support mental-health training and create wellness rooms in schools; she said 14 wellness rooms currently exist across the state and the last session produced 41 requests that could not be funded due to lack of resources.

Edward Webster, government-relations director for NEA New Mexico, testified: "We stand in strong support of HB 58... Data tells us that poor mental health outcomes lead to poor academic outcomes and impede instruction." Gabrielle Dietrich, executive director of NAMI New Mexico, also testified in support, saying normalizing mental-health discussions reduces stigma.

Committee action: Because the sponsor and others noted the funding was already in the enacted budget, the committee moved to table the bill. Representative Little moved to table; Representative Garrett seconded. There was no recorded opposition and the motion carried.

Ending: The committee tabled HB58. Sponsors and advocates said they will continue to work on implementation and directing the budgeted funds to local requests.