Committee advances Counseling Licensure Compact after supporters cite telehealth, military spouse benefits

House Bill 217, which would adopt the Counseling Licensure Compact, advanced from committee with a do-pass recommendation after testimony from mental health advocates, the Regulation and Licensing Department and military-affiliated groups.

Sponsor Representative Herndon introduced HB 217, saying the compact “facilitate[s] interstate practice of licensed professional counselors” and aims to “improve public access to professional counseling services.” The sponsor noted the compact preserves state regulatory authority while enabling counselors to obtain compact privileges to practice in other member states.

The nut graf: proponents said the compact will increase access to behavioral health services—particularly via telehealth—and help military spouses maintain employment when they relocate. Several witnesses, including Think New Mexico and NAMI New Mexico, urged passage; the Department of Defense and the Military Based Planning Commission also testified in support.

Quindy Otero of the Regulation and Licensing Department said the department “does not speak in favor or against” but highlighted an operating budget impact: the agency’s fiscal impact report estimates $56,000 to implement the bill, and that amount was not included in the department’s current budget request. The department requested an extension to Jan. 1, 2026, to complete rulemaking, implement background-check and fingerprinting requirements and update the NMPlus licensing system.

Christina Fisher of Think New Mexico said counseling can be provided effectively via telehealth and that “by allowing counselors to do that from the other compact states of which there are 37, we can open up more care to our New Mexicans.” Betty Schover of NAMI New Mexico said the bill “aligns with our efforts to enhance the access to mental health services across the state.” Supporters also emphasized benefits for military spouses: Megan Dela Rosa testified that more than 30 percent of military spouses in the workforce hold a professional license and that the compact would “create more job options for spouses.”

Committee members asked logistical and membership questions. Representative Martinez asked how many states had joined the counseling compact; sponsors responded “35” in the hearing. Members also asked about when the compact would take effect; witnesses cited an effective date of June 20, 2025 once statutory membership thresholds are met. The Regulation and Licensing Department’s requested implementation timeline and fiscal note were noted as conditions the committee should monitor.

The committee recorded a roll-call and the chair announced a do-pass recommendation for House Bill 217. The transcript does not record a named mover or seconder for the motion in the minutes.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 217 with a do-pass recommendation. The licensing department flagged a $56,000 implementation need and requested extra time for rulemaking; supporters said the compact would expand telehealth access and help military families maintain careers.