New Mexico Legislature

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

This bill increases financial assistance for farmers and forest landowners affected by emergencies. It raises upfront payments to 75% of costs for replacing damaged farm infrastructure (like fencing) and 50% for repairs, with a 180-day deadline instead of 60 days for using funds. The bill also expands wildfire eligibility to include fires spread by natural causes or caused by the federal government. These changes apply to the Emergency Conservation Program (Section 401) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (Section 407) under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978.

This bill amends the National School Lunch Program to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole milk as an option to students, in addition to reduced-fat and fat-free milk. It permits schools to offer whole milk (organic or non-organic), reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk, as well as lactose-free milk and nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages that meet specific nutritional standards. The bill clarifies that milk fat in whole milk should not be counted as saturated fat for compliance with meal nutrition standards. Additionally, it requires schools to include food allergy information in training for food service personnel. These changes directly affect schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and the students who eat school meals.

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act This act reauthorizes through FY2028 the Congressional Award Board, the board that administers the Congressional Award Program, and modifies program medals. (The program, established by law in 1979, awards medals to youth ages 14 to 23 who satisfy standards of achievement set by the board. The program aims to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among youth in the areas of public service, personal development, and physical fitness.) The act removes a requirement for program medals to consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze. The reauthorization is effective as if enacted on October 1, 2023 (the date on which a prior reauthorization expired).

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act This act provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

This bill increases disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans, effective December 1, 2025. The increases will match the percentage rise in Social Security benefits for that year, as determined under the Social Security Act. It directly affects veterans receiving disability payments and surviving family members eligible for survivor benefits under current law. The adjustment ensures these benefits keep pace with inflation, as required by the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment formula.