COUNTY COMMISSION TAX REBATE HEARINGS

HB 142 removes a requirement that New Mexico county commissions hold public hearings before adopting ordinances to implement a property tax rebate program for low-income homeowners. The bill changes existing law so counties can directly adopt such ordinances without prior public hearings, streamlining the process for local governments to offer the rebate. This affects counties that choose to provide the rebate, which currently allows eligible homeowners (with modified gross income under $24,000) to receive a refund of 35%-75% of their property taxes, capped at $350 per return. The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and does not alter the rebate amounts or eligibility rules.