HB 234 New Mexico House · 2026 Regular Session

DEFINITION OF FENTANYL

HB 234 defines "fentanyl" to include specific analogs like para-bromofentanyl and para-fluoroacetyl fentanyl, expanding the scope of substances covered under trafficking laws. This directly affects individuals charged with fentanyl trafficking by clarifying which substances trigger enhanced sentencing penalties. The bill amends sentencing provisions to apply stricter prison terms (3-5 years) based on the quantity of fentanyl or its analogs possessed, or if the defendant recruited others to traffic. The definition change ensures these specific synthetic opioids are treated as fentanyl under existing criminal sentencing statutes.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 9, 2026 Last action Mar 24, 2026
Floor votes · House Feb 16, 2026

How they voted

620
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 66
Feb 16, 2026
D Democratic40
36 Yea 4
90% Yea
R Republican26
26 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Feb 17, 2026
Introduced
Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
passed House
lower
Feb 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
DO PASS, as amended, committee report adopted
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced
Sent to House Judiciary Committee
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
not printed House Rules and Order of Business Committee
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors