Bill > SB431

This bill comprehensively reforms the state's liquor taxation and alcohol harm prevention programs by implementing several key changes. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill introduces a new 6% liquor excise surtax on alcoholic beverage sales and restructures how liquor tax revenues are distributed. The bill renames the existing local DWI (driving while intoxicated) grant program to the "Local Alcohol Harms Alleviation Program" and redirects 94% of liquor excise tax revenues to a new local alcohol harms alleviation fund, with the remaining 6% going to the drug court fund. Simultaneously, the bill creates an entirely new Tribal Alcohol Harms Alleviation Program, establishing a dedicated fund to support grants for Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, and entities serving indigenous populations. The new program includes provisions for administering grants, conducting research on alcohol policy and prevention, and establishing a tribal alcohol harms alleviation council. Additionally, the bill requires legislative committees to review liquor excise tax rates and distributions by December 1, 2032, and appropriates initial funding for program implementation and research. These changes aim to more comprehensively address alcohol-related harm prevention, treatment, and community support across the state, with a particular focus on tribal communities and urban Indian populations.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=431&year=25