Sine Die: House Democrats Deliver for New Mexicans in Productive 60-Day Session
Legislature made historic investments and passed critical bills addressing priorities
like public safety, affordability, and child well-being
Santa Fe, NM - The first session of New Mexico’s 57th Legislature came to a close at Noon today, concluding a highly-productive 60 days. House Democrats focused on addressing public safety, the well-being of New Mexico’s children and families, and making life more affordable for everyone in our state.
The House worked diligently and transparently to deliver a responsible budget that invests in key areas that will have an immediate impact, while also saving and investing wisely to support the state’s future.
Additionally, the House and Senate worked together to pass a tax package to increase and expand tax cuts for nearly 300,000 New Mexicans, which includes credits for foster parents and guardians, the expansion of a Gross Receipts Tax deduction for healthcare practitioners, and a modest increases to taxes on alcoholic beverages, directing funds to address alcohol related harms across New Mexico.
“We worked closely with our colleagues in the Senate and moved quickly this session to deliver well-vetted solutions to tackle crime, expand behavioral healthcare, and provide law enforcement with the resources needed to protect our communities,” said Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). “Improving public safety is both urgent and ongoing work. It does not start or end with the legislative session, and it requires all of us to keep coming to the table with a focus on developing solutions, not pointing fingers.”
“House Democrats delivered for the well-being of New Mexico’s children and families, so everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said House Majority Floor Leader Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe). “We achieved important victories for our most at-risk kids, but our work is far from over. We will continue our fight to better protect the kids in CYFD and improve outcomes for every child in our state.”
“We know that rising costs are top of mind for all New Mexicans, especially given the recent chaos at the federal level,” said House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque). “That’s why we have remained focused on lowering costs of healthcare, housing, and everyday essentials to put more money back into the pockets of the workers who power our state.”
“I am incredibly proud of the way our caucus came together this session with a unified mission - to make life better for families across our state,” said House Majority Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino). “And we did just that, delivering on the key areas we hear about from constituents the most.”
House Democrats’ Key Achievements in the 2025 Legislative Session
Bills below have passed both chambers. Asterisk indicates the Governor has signed the bill as of Sine Die.
Community Safety
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Continues strong support of law enforcement, with significant emphasis on collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral healthcare providers, including crisis response.
Dedicates $10 million to building the capacity of local law enforcement agencies
Allocates $4 million to law enforcement recruitment and retention
Provides significant funding for state police raises, vehicles, equipment, and repairs
$500,000 for crime victim reparations
$2 million to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
Provides funding for a statewide case management system for recruitment and retention efforts for public defenders, and additional resources for the Attorney General’s office for training and legal expenses
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
*HB 8: Integrated Public Safety Package - Incorporates six original pieces of legislation to:
Expand options for how the state’s criminal justice system assists individuals suffering from serious mental or behavioral health issues by creating more pathways to get them appropriate levels of treatment.
Enhance penalties for high-volume fentanyl trafficking to reflect public health and safety risks associated with the drug’s potency and its role in the state’s overdose crisis.
Increase the penalty for making a mass shooting threat toward a school or public place to a fourth-degree felony, aligning it with the state’s penalty for bomb threats.
Prohibit possession of a device designed to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.
Increase penalties for repeat and habitual offenders of vehicle thefts.
Gives law enforcement officers more tools to enforce the state’s DWI laws.
Sponsored by Reps. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) and Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque).
*HB 12: Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Changes - Makes New Mexico’s existing Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order, or “Red Flag Law,” easier to navigate for both law enforcement and individuals so that it can be more effectively enforced.
Sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Senators Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)
HB 340: DNA of Certain Offenders in CODIS - Helps law enforcement solve cold cases by allowing the DNA of deceased individuals who were arrested for a felony, but died before being charged, to be entered into the federal CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database.
Sponsored by Reps. Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), and Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)
Affordability & Access to Necessities
HB 14: Earned Income Tax Credit - Improves fairness in New Mexico’s tax system, increasing and expanding tax cuts for hundreds of thousands of families, eliminating state income taxes for many working New Mexicans.
Sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)
HB 6: IRB Project Minimum Wage - Requires companies hired for projects funded by Municipal and County Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to provide a prevailing wage to workers, bringing compensation in line with standards for the state’s public works projects.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)
HB 91: Public Utility Rate Structure - Allows public utilities in the state to implement rate structures intended to reduce utility costs for low-income customers.
Sponsored by Reps. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)
*HB 47: Veteran Property Tax Exemptions - Increases property tax exemptions to $10,000 and allows additional exemptions for veterans with service-related disabilities.
Sponsored by Reps. Art De la Cruz (D-Albuquerque), Alan Martinez (D-Rio Rancho), and Luis Terrazas (R-Santa Clara)
HB 69: Loan Forgiveness Multiplier Act - Expands access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program within New Mexico, which forgives student loans for individuals who work full-time in public service in federal, state, tribal, or local government for 10 years.
Sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Leo Jaramillo (D-Española)
HB 167: Higher Ed. Payment For Certain Tests - Covers the cost of testing and preparatory services for New Mexicans looking to achieve high school equivalency certifications.
Sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque)
Education & Child Well-Being
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Continues investments in cradle-to-career education so that all of New Mexico’s children have access to the opportunities they deserve:
Allocates $4.7 billion in recurring funding for public education, a 6% increase over last year
Provides a 4% average salary increase for public school and higher education staff
Raises minimum teacher salaries by $5,000 per license level
Increases funding for employee benefits so educators and school staff can keep more of what they earn
Increases funding to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department by $170 million, or 21.6%, to greatly expand pre -K, childcare assistance, home visiting, and tribal language supports
Increases public school funding by $76 million to support students in 6th - 12th grade
Provides funding to improve school facilities
Continues funding for the teacher loan repayment program, to retain and attract more educators to New Mexico
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
*HB 5: Office of the Child Advocate - Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate as an independent office that would receive and investigate complaints related to children’s services at the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), as well as ensure their resolution, and inform the public, legislature, and Governor about opportunities for improvement.
Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), House Majority Whip Day Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena)
SB 42: Comprehensive Addiction And Recovery Program - An omnibus CYFD reform bill to strengthen transparency requirements for the department and improve accountability and oversight of the state’s CARA program for substance-exposed newborns.
Sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque), House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Senators Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)
HB 203: Use of State Devices for CYFD Business - Requires CYFD workers to retain and back up all electronic records, which is critical for transparency and oversight, particularly in cases where a child is harmed, so processes can be reviewed and potentially improved going forward.
Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque) and Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces).
*SB 283: CYFD & Use of Federal Benefits - Ensures that children in the care of New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) receive their full federal benefits.
Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), Senators Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), Crystal Brantley (D-Elephant Butte), Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), Nicole Tobiassen (D-Albuquerque), and Steve Lanier (R-Aztec)
HB 252: Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program - Creates a three-year pilot program to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising children of a family member.
Sponsored by Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo), Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To’hajiilee), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)
HB 71: Early Childhood Ed & Care Fund Transfers - Expands childcare assistance, pre-K programs, and maternal health initiatives, while also uplifting our childcare workforce by increasing the annual distribution from the Early Childhood Trust Fund to these programs.
Sponsored by Reps. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces) and D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock)
*SB 175: Child Care Facility Loan Fund Changes - Provides loans to childcare facilities looking to open or expand in areas of greatest need, especially in areas with high-poverty rates.
Sponsored by Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe) and Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)
*SB 417: Confirmatory Adoptions - Streamlines the adoption process for children conceived through assisted reproductive methods.
Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Leo Jaramillo (D-Española) and Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces)
HB 63: Public School Funding Formula Changes - Updates New Mexico’s public school funding formula to allow adjustments based on the poverty levels of communities in the district.
Sponsored by Rep. G. Andrés Romero (D-Albuquerque) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)
HB 54: Defibrillators in Every High School - Requires all schools in the state to have an external heart defibrillator, along with cardiac response plans and trained staff.
Sponsored by Reps. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque)
HB 532: Student Water Safety Guidance - Requires all New Mexico schools to develop and provide student water safety guidance at the beginning of each school year to help prevent drowning deaths and injuries.
Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde)
Healthcare & Housing
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Prioritizes addressing New Mexico’s housing crisis, with substantial funding for transitional housing services, and expands access to affordable healthcare, including mental and behavioral healthcare, targeting the state’s most vulnerable communities, as well as investing in New Mexico’s healthcare workforce, and improving food security:
Delivers $15 billion in state and federal funding for Medicaid and other critical healthcare services
Appropriates $22.1 million to a new Medicaid waiver initiative for those in the criminal justice system, as part of an increased focus on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice
Dedicates substantial funding to mental and behavioral healthcare, including $280 million to expand infrastructure and access with regional coordination to get funds to areas most in need, and key funding for crisis response systems
Provides a $100 million downpayment to kickstart the new Behavioral Health Trust Fund
Delivers $25 million to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to expand healthcare in rural areas
Invests in growing the healthcare workforce by increasing rates and building capacity
Directs $110 million to targeted housing development, including transitional housing, with a focus on Bernalillo and Doña Ana counties
Makes $45.9 million available to housing providers to focus on specialized housing solutions and a strategic response to homelessness
Improves food security for New Mexicans with $10 million in annual funding for food banks
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
*SB 1: Behavioral Health Trust Fund - Creates a trust fund for behavioral healthcare initiatives across the state.
19 bipartisan sponsors, including Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup), Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), and House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque)
*SB 3: Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act - Establishes behavioral health regions to address gaps in access to behavioral healthcare in communities across the state.
18 sponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque)
HB 586: Review Of Certain Healthcare Transactions - Gives the state oversight of hospital acquisitions and corporate consolidation to ensure changes in ownership do not have a negative impact on the quality, affordability, or accessibility of care for New Mexicans.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque)
HB 131: Caregiver Background Checks - Protects patient safety by expanding the list of crimes and risk factors that would disqualify someone from becoming a medical caregiver.
Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque)
*HB 214: Doula Credentialing - Establishes a voluntary credentialing process for doulas, who provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, enabling them to enroll as Medicaid providers.
Sponsored by Reps. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces), Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), and Senators Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)
HB 56: Medicaid Reimbursements For Birth Centers - Provides birth centers with equal Medicaid reimbursement rates provided for equivalent services provided at a hospital.
Sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Alan Martinez (R-Rio Rancho)
HB 78: Prohibit Discrimination Against 340B Entities - Prevents insurance companies and pharmacies from interfering with the ability of 340B entities to acquire, deliver, or dispense medication under the federal 340B, a program that provides discounts on outpatient medications.
Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)
SB 39: Add Classes to Prior Authorization Drugs - Expands access to critical medications by exempting additional classes of drugs, particularly those for rare diseases, from step therapy or prior authorization requirements.
Sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Carrie Hamblem (D-Las Cruces)
SB 219: Medical Psilocybin Act - Allows alternative treatment for New Mexicans suffering from debilitating conditions such as PTSD, allowing limited use of medical psilocybin by patients whom clinicians believe would benefit from the naturally-occurring substance.
Sponsored by nine sponsors including Reps. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) and Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), and Senators Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), Martin Hickey (D-Albuquerque), and Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)
HB 233: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Equipment Coverage - Requires insurance providers to cover medical equipment to treat active diabetic foot ulcers, including topical oxygen therapy.
Sponsored by Reps. Joshua Hernandez (D-Rio Rancho), Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque) , and Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho)
SB 57: Medical Provider Patient IPRA Info - Protects the safety of medical professionals who provide reproductive care at public institutions in New Mexico, by exempting their personal information from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) and Senator Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo)
HB 77: Annual Federal Snap State Outreach Plans - Requires an annual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) state outreach plan to promote access to its benefits.
Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque)
SB 267: Housing Application Fees - Increases protections for residential renters and applicants, including capping application and late fees and requiring more notice for increasing fees.
Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque) and Senators Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces), Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), and Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe)
Environment & Energy
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Makes significant investments to protect New Mexico’s water supply and other natural resources:
Provides $7 million to support New Mexico’s river stewards program and $5 million to the Office of the State Engineer to implement the Water Security Planning Act
Dedicates $1 million for clean water testing and $2 million to the New Mexico Environment Department to address well water contamination
Supports water project development by beneficiaries of the Indian Water Rights Settlement, with a $25 million appropriation
Funds research to strategically plan the state’s water future, with $19 million to NM Tech for groundwater monitoring and improvements, and $4 million for water research at NMSU
Allocates $20 million to clean up abandoned uranium mines and other contaminated sites
Directs $50 million to help New Mexico communities recover from fires and floods
Directs $1.24 million to hot shot fire crews, watershed management, and forest restoration
Make significant investments in energy infrastructure, including grid modernization and EV school buses
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
*SB 5: Game Commission Reform - Reforms state agencies to better support outdoor recreation and wildlife management, expanding the scope of the Department of Game and Fish to protect all wildlife and expanding the voices represented on the State Game Commission.
Sponsored by Reps. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Senators Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas), Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)
*Partially vetoed by the Governor.
SB 21: Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act - Gives New Mexico control over its own water resources, by implementing the federal Clean Water Act, protecting additional bodies of water not covered by the act, holding polluters accountable, and cleaning up contaminated sites.
Sponsored by Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) and Senator Bobby Gonzales (D-Ranchos de Taos)
SB 23: Oil & Gas Royalty Rate Changes - Ensures extractive industries pay their fair share for New Mexico's mineral resources by bringing royalty rates to current market value, providing millions in additional funding for beneficiaries like public schools, universities, and hospitals.
Sponsored by Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)
HB 361: EMNRD Conversion Of Certain Wells - Cleans up and repurposes depleted oil and gas wells across New Mexico, by authorizing the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) to utilize these wells for energy storage or geothermal energy development. If no other uses are found viable, the wells would be plugged.
Sponsored by Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe)
HB 458: Carbon Dioxide Storage Stewardship Act - Creates a new fee of 10 cents per metric ton of carbon dioxide captured for storage, with the fee paid by operators of sequestration projects. The fee revenue would be deposited into a new Geologic Carbon Dioxide Long-Term Stewardship Fund and would fund the long-term storage of sequestered carbon dioxide.
Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Jack Chatfield (R-Mosquero) and Senators Steve Lanier (R-Aztec) and William Sharer (R-Farmington)
HB 128: NMFA Local Solar Access Fund - Improves access to solar energy and enhances emergency resiliency by providing grants to local government and tribal entities throughout the state for the development of solar energy systems to power public buildings and infrastructure.
House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)
HB 191: Wildfire Suppression & Preparedness Funds - Increases resources for wildfire preparation and response, including creating a sustainable funding source to support wildfire control and suppression efforts, including forest thinning, firefighting equipment and supplies, firefighter wages, emergency response and recovery efforts, and environmental rehabilitation.
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
SB 33: Wildfire Prepared Act - Provides grants to help communities mitigate their properties against wildfire damage and spread, and creates a task force to oversee the new program.
Sponsored by Reps. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas), Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso Downs) and Senator Liz (D-Cerrillos)
HB 140: “Hazardous Waste Constituent” Definition - Improves New Mexico’s regulatory authority over PFAS waste in communities throughout the state by empowering the state to take corrective action with the U.S. Department of Defense to address this toxic waste.
Sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)
HB 212: PFAS Protection Act - Establishes a framework for removing goods containing PFAS, or synthetic “forever chemicals” that can cause serious health concerns from sale in the state.
Sponsored by Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Debra Sariñana (D-Albuquerque), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)
HB 219: Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park - Establishes New Mexico’s 36th state park, spanning 783-acres near the popular slot canyon hiking trail outside of Las Cruces.
Sponsored by Reps. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), and Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)
HB 137: Strategic Water Supply Act - Proposes innovative, responsible ways to conserve and reuse the state’s existing water resources, to protect New Mexico’s water supply for the future.
Sponsored by Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo), House Majority Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino), Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), and Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup) and Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)
Economic Development & Infrastructure
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Supports the growth and diversification of New Mexico’s economy and fosters a strong, resilient economy that spans the state’s urban and rural areas:
Redistributes funding for the Economic Development Department to increase focus on economic diversification initiatives
Invests $24 million in site readiness, which prepares prime, construction-ready locations for companies to quickly and easily set up in New Mexico
Provides $25 million in funding for research and development initiatives to help attract new and growing industries to the state
Allocates $65 million for road maintenance across New Mexico
Dedicates $12 million for rural air service statewide
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
HB 10: RLD Cannabis Enforcement - Establishes an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division at the Regulation and Licensing Department to investigate criminal violations of state cannabis laws, to protect consumers and ensure reputable businesses can thrive.
10 Sponsors including Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Reps. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque)
HB 19: Trade Ports Development Act - Creates “trade port districts” across New Mexico to facilitate interstate and international trade, while improving local infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening state and regional economies.
Sponsored by Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup), House Majority Whip Day Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Caucus Chair Ray Lara (D-Chamberino) and Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) and Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque)
HB 20: Technology & Innovation Division - Invests in technology development and innovation in New Mexico by providing early-stage capital and financial support to startup companies, research initiatives, and emerging technologies, to diversify the economy and create good jobs.
Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), and Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces)
SB 169: Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness - Attracts businesses and jobs to the state by creating the Site Readiness Fund to identify ideal business locations and assist with pre-development, to allow businesses to easily set up shop or expand in New Mexico.
Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio-Rancho) and Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)
HB 368: High Wage Jobs Tax Credit “Threshold Job” - Makes technical updates to help administer the tax credit available to businesses who provide high-wage jobs in the state.
Sponsored by Reps. Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho) and Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque)
SB 48: Community Benefit Fund - Provides grants to local communities for infrastructure and clean energy projects that reduce pollution, improve resiliency against extreme weather, and enhance grid reliability in cities and towns across the state.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)
Rights & Protections
HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Enhances support for survivors of crime and violence, including:
$500,000 for crime victim reparations
$2 million to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
*SB 163: Tribal Regalia At School Events - Protects the right of Native American students to wear tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to graduation ceremonies and school events.
Sponsored by Reps. D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock) and Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), and Senators Benny Shendo, Jr. (D-Jemez Pueblo), Angel Charley (D-Acoma), and Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo)
SB 41: Turquoise Alert System - Creates a new public notification system to alert the public about missing Native Americans in New Mexico.
Sponsored by Reps. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Angel Charlie (D-Acoma) and Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo)
HB 487: Protection of Hispanic Education - Expands the purpose of New Mexico’s Hispanic Education Act to include protecting and preserving Spanish language and culture.
Sponsored by Reps. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Tanya Mirabal Moya (R-Valencia), and Senator Linda López (D-Albuquerque)
HB 64: Expand Post-Secondary Tuition Eligibility - Prohibits post-secondary education institutions in the state from denying admission to a student based on their immigration status.
Sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe)
*HB 197: Expand “Silver Alert” Definition - Allows Silver Alerts to be issued for anyone over the age of 50 who displays signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, cognitive decline, or impairment.
Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde) and Elaine Sena Cortez (R-Hobbs)
*SB 73: Require Bicycle Stops for Safety - Updates traffic rules for bicyclists in New Mexico.
Sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque)
SB 36: Sensitive Personal Information Nondisclosure - Prohibits state employees from disclosing sensitive personal information about New Mexicans to anyone outside of their agency. Protected information includes sexual orientation, gender identity, medical conditions, disabilities, immigration status, national origin, and religion.
Sponsored by Reps. Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque) and Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) and Senators Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)
HB 281: Hair Braiding Licensure - Allows hair braiders and locticians, who specialize in dreadlocks, to practice without a cosmetology license, recognizing the cultural significance of the specialties and exempting practitioners from years of costly and inapplicable schooling.
Sponsored by Reps. Janelle Anyanonu D-Albuquerque), Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque)
HB 518: LGBTQ+ Day - Establishes LBQTQ+ Day in the New Mexico legislature to celebrate and recognize the many contributions and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ people in New Mexico.
63 sponsors including Reps. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), Cristina Parajón and Senators Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces), and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)
HB 113: Animal Welfare Program And Trust Fund - Creates a program to support the welfare of domestic cats and dogs, including grants to repair, renovate, or open animal shelters, control loose or stray cats and dogs,provide spay and neuter services, and enforce animal cruelty laws.
Eight sponsors including Rep. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Joseph L. Sanchez (D-Alcalde), Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces)
Government
HJR 2: Eliminate Pocket Vetoes - Allows voters to decide whether to remove the Governor’s ability to pocket veto, which occurs when bills not acted upon by their signing deadline are automatically vetoed without explanation. Instead, bills not acted upon would become law.
Sponsored by Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), and Senator Pat Woods (R-Broadview)
*As a Constitutional Amendment, this legislation does not require a signature from the Governor before going to the voters.
SB 16: Non-Major Party Voters In Primary Elections - Allows New Mexicans not affiliated with any major political party to vote in primary elections without changing their registration.
Sponsored by Reps. Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), Senator Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)
HB 120: Accessibility of State Agencies - Improves access to state agencies by requiring that their websites and physical facilities comply with digital and physical accessibility standards.
Sponsored by Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) and Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque)
HB 143: Lobbying Activity Reports - Increases lobbying transparency by requiring them to disclose the legislation they’re seeking to influence and what clients are paying them to do so.
Sponsored by Rep. Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces) and Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)
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