HB 289 establishes a Geothermal Projects Development Fund in New Mexico's state treasury with a $20 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The fund provides grants of up to $250,000 to cover study costs or financing for approved geothermal projects, primarily for political subdivisions, state universities, or tribal nations (with secretary approval). Grants require project approval by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources secretary and do not exempt projects from standard environmental or land-use permits. The fund requires annual reports tracking grant usage, project status, and fund balances to the governor and legislature. This bill directly supports entities developing geothermal energy within New Mexico's regulatory framework.
This Senate Joint Memorial (SJM 3) requests the New Mexico Higher Education Department to develop a joint bachelor's degree in elementary bilingual multicultural education across four public universities (UNM, Western NM, NM Highlands, NM State). It also proposes scholarships for students and educators pursuing advanced degrees in bilingual education, increased faculty positions for bilingual programs, and college credit recognition for students with New Mexico’s "state seal of bilingualism-biliteracy." The memorial aims to address a shortage of bilingual teachers, aligning with state and federal mandates like the Martinez/Yazzie court ruling and the Bilingual Multicultural Education Act. It is a non-binding request to state agencies, not a law.
HB 129 reduces the probation period for New Mexico state public employees from one year to 180 days. It directly affects all state employees hired into classified positions, changing their initial probationary requirement. The bill also prohibits requiring additional probation if an employee transfers to a different state service assignment. This change amends Section 10-9-13 of New Mexico's Personnel Act, specifically modifying the probation duration and transfer rules. The legislation passed the House in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.
HB 444 transfers the New Mexico Athletic Commission's authority from its current structure to the Regulation and Licensing Department. It expands the commission from five to seven members, replaces the Medical Advisory Board with a Medical Advisory Committee, adds new licensing categories for fighters and events, and adjusts fees dedicated to the athletic commission fund. This bill directly affects athletic commission members, promoters, professional fighters (including boxers and mixed martial artists), and event coordinators by changing oversight and operational requirements. The bill, which passed the House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate committee in June 2025, aims to streamline regulation under a single department.
SB 318 amends New Mexico's Unfair Practices Act to explicitly include firearms and destructive devices within the scope of consumer protection laws. The bill defines key terms like "firearm" (including handguns and rifles, but excluding antique firearms or construction tools) and "destructive device" (such as bombs, large-caliber weapons, or conversion devices), clarifying what falls under these categories for enforcement. It expands private legal remedies, allowing individuals to sue sellers for deceptive or unfair trade practices related to firearm sales - such as falsely claiming legality or misrepresenting products - under existing consumer protection statutes. The bill does not ban firearms but integrates them into the state's framework for addressing deceptive business conduct in sales.
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
action postponed indefinitely
