New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SM 3: BEAVER POPULATION & MANAGEMENT PLAN

Senate Memorial 3 requests New Mexico's Department of Game and Fish, Forestry Division, and State Land Office to develop recommendations for a statewide beaver management plan by October 2025. The memorial directs these agencies to propose a lead agency, include relevant stakeholders, and outline a timeline and budget for the plan. It aims to capture beavers' watershed benefits - like improved water retention, reduced erosion, and better water quality - while addressing potential conflicts with agriculture and infrastructure. The plan would build on existing state guidance for landowners managing beaver activity. (Note: This is a procedural memorial, not a law, so it does not directly affect residents or implement policy.)

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 11: PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

This bill would establish a New Mexico program providing partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking leave for specific reasons, including bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster placement), caring for a family member with a serious health condition, taking leave for the employee's own serious health condition, military family needs related to a spouse's deployment, or protection from domestic violence. Administered by the Workforce Solutions Department, the program would be funded through a new state leave fund and cover both employees and self-employed individuals who meet eligibility criteria. It sets time limits on leave duration, excludes certain workers (such as those covered by federal railroad laws), and preempts other similar local programs. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners and other close relationships, ensuring coverage for diverse household situations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SM 16: OPPOSITION TO EMINENT DOMAIN FOR TRANSMISSION

Senate Memorial 16 is a non-binding resolution passed by the New Mexico Senate opposing the U.S. Department of Energy's proposed "southwestern grid connector" national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico. It specifically targets the federal use of eminent domain (government seizure of private land without consent) to build transmission infrastructure, which would directly affect farmers, ranchers, and small businesses relying on agricultural land for their livelihoods. The resolution calls on federal agencies and New Mexico's congressional delegation to reject eminent domain for this project and instead pursue alternatives that protect private property rights, local economies, and sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes that land seizures could disrupt generational operations, harm soil and water resources, and reduce property tax revenues for rural counties.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 503: PROHIBIT CERTAIN PHARMACY BENEFITS MGR. ACTS

SB 503 prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in New Mexico from engaging in specific practices that affect pharmacies and patients. It bans patient steering (forcing patients to use certain pharmacies through mail-order requirements or restricted networks) and spread pricing (reimbursing pharmacies less than the price billed to insurers). The bill requires PBMs to provide contracts in plain English, disclose reimbursement standards clearly, and not restrict pharmacists from discussing drug costs or alternatives with patients. These changes directly impact PBMs, pharmacies, and pharmacists by promoting transparency and limiting restrictive practices in drug benefit management.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 461: PRIOR AUTHORIZATION PROCESS EXEMPTIONS

HB 461 would require New Mexico health insurers to establish a process allowing qualified health care professionals (like doctors and specialists) to bypass prior authorization for outpatient services. To qualify, a professional must have at least 90% of their prior authorization requests approved in the previous six-month period (an "evaluation period"). Insurers must grant exemptions within 10 business days if criteria are met, and can only rescind exemptions after reviewing a random sample of 5-20 claims and providing 25 days' notice, unless fraud or abuse is suspected. Health care professionals denied or having exemptions rescinded can request an independent review by a licensed physician within 30 days, with insurers covering review costs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 457: LOW-INCOME CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES

SB 457 appropriates $20 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Civil Legal Services Fund for fiscal year 2026 and future years, specifically to provide civil legal services to low-income residents. The bill directly affects low-income New Mexicans who need assistance with non-criminal legal matters like housing disputes, family law, or debt issues. Key provisions include permanent funding with no requirement for unspent balances to return to the general fund, ensuring sustained support. The bill was passed by committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it is currently pending and not yet law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 474: STREAMLINE CERTAIN ADOPTION PROCESSES

SB 474 amends New Mexico's Adoption Act to streamline adoption processes specifically for children who are prenatally abandoned (birth mothers abandon the child before birth). It directly affects adoptive parents, birth mothers, and children in these cases by updating legal definitions to create a more efficient process. The key mechanism modifies definitions in the Adoption Act to remove unnecessary steps when parental rights are terminated before birth, reducing administrative delays. This change aims to accelerate placements for vulnerable children while maintaining legal safeguards.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 323: HORSE RACING GROUP, GAMING & AUDITS

SB 323 designates the New Mexico Horsemens Association as the official horsemen's group under federal law and permits certain gaming machines during race weeks at racetracks. It amends existing regulations to clarify rules for simulcasting races, interstate wagering pools, and pari-mutuel tax collection. The bill also grants the State Auditor authority to audit racetracks and specifies how interstate common pool wagering must operate under federal guidelines. These changes primarily affect racetrack licensees, the Horsemens Association, and state oversight of horse racing operations in New Mexico.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 203: MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSURE

SB 203 requires businesses offering massage therapy (such as spas or clinics) to obtain a license starting January 1, 2026, unless they qualify for an exemption (like home-based operations or health care facilities). The bill establishes minimum health and safety standards for licensed establishments and mandates biennial license renewals with a 60-day grace period for late renewals. It also grants the licensing board authority to suspend or revoke licenses based on complaints from individuals or the board. This law directly affects owners of massage therapy businesses by adding a new licensing requirement and oversight process.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 352: CERTAIN PHOTOS AS CONFIDENTIAL

SB 352 makes photographic images taken by New Mexico's state, district, or deputy medical investigators confidential. It prohibits these photos from being public records or accessible to the public, except when needed for civil or criminal court cases. The bill amends existing law to explicitly state that such images cannot be shared with the public, directly affecting how medical investigators handle death investigation photos. This change ensures these images are protected unless used in legal proceedings, replacing the prior standard for public access.

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 552: PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE

The bill text for SB 552 is not provided in the context, so no substantive policy description can be offered. The title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") is a broad category without specific provisions detailed here. The bill was referred to committees, amended, and ultimately postponed indefinitely in June 2025, but no concrete policy changes or affected groups are described in the available information. Without the actual bill text, a factual summary of its mechanisms or scope cannot be created.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 455: PRE-K THROUGH 3RD GRADE MATH & READING HELP

HB 455 would allocate $1 million from New Mexico's general fund to provide online math and reading support for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. The funding would cover research-backed learning programs, educator training, and materials for caregivers to strengthen early literacy and numeracy skills. Introduced by Rep. Brian G. Baca, the bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025, meaning it has not advanced to a vote. If enacted, unspent funds would revert to the general fund by fiscal year 2026. This bill has not become law as of the latest update.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Bill results