EXEMPTIONS FOR EMERGENCY CLOSURES

HB 436 requires that during emergencies, government orders closing businesses must also exempt federally tax-exempt religious facilities (like churches) on the same terms as the most permissive exemption given to other businesses. It applies to closures issued under New Mexico’s emergency management laws, including the All Hazards Emergency Management Act. The bill mandates that all such orders must explicitly include these religious exemptions, preventing their exclusion during public health or disaster closures. This ensures religious organizations operating as places of worship receive equal treatment in emergency restrictions.