New Mexico Bills

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 340: DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY CHANGES

SB 340 sets a 30-day limit on emergency orders restricting commerce, public assembly, or personal conduct (such as clothing, movement, or other personal activities) in New Mexico. These orders automatically expire after 30 days unless extended by the legislature through new legislation or by the governor for up to two additional 30-day periods, with the governor required to provide a written justification for any extension. The bill applies to both general emergencies under the All Hazard Emergency Management Act and public health emergencies. It does not alter existing requirements for the governor to consult with health officials when declaring a public health emergency.

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 128: CERTAIN CHARACTERS ON LICENSE PLATES

New Mexico's SB 128 prohibits special license plates from displaying characters that are derogatory, offensive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, profane, or that promote drugs, alcohol, violence, or gang affiliation. It directly affects vehicle owners who apply for special registration plates by requiring the state division to block any plate design violating these standards. The bill amends existing law to add specific content restrictions, giving the division authority to determine prohibited material under four clear categories. This change applies to all special plates issued under current rules, without altering the $15 annual fee or renewal process.

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 572: NON-CITIZEN VOTER REGISTRATION RESTRICTIONS

HB 572 makes it a felony to knowingly solicit a non-U.S. citizen to register to vote or vote in New Mexico. It broadly defines "solicitation" as any verbal, written, or electronic request to register or vote, including digital messages. Soliciting non-citizens violates the law even if the solicitor adds a disclaimer stating the person shouldn’t vote due to citizenship status. Violators face a fourth-degree felony charge, up to one year in prison, and a $5,000 fine per violation. The bill directly affects individuals or groups who actively encourage non-citizens to participate in elections.

Topics ✗ Immigration

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 292: ALL CITIES & COUNTIES FUND

HB 292 creates the "All Cities and Counties Fund" to redistribute 8% of certain gross receipts tax revenue to New Mexico municipalities and counties. It establishes a formula calculating transfers based on population and tax revenue data, distributing funds to cities and counties according to their population and local tax contributions. The fund is designed to provide annual payments starting July 1, 2025, with the state treasurer making transfers by November 1 each year. The bill was approved by committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not advanced further.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SJR 3: STATE EDUCATION BOARD, CA

SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace New Mexico's Public Education Commission with a State School Board. The new board would set public education policy, manage school funding distribution, and oversee the Public Education Department. It would consist of 10 elected members (by district, serving four-year terms) and 5 appointed members (selected by the governor with requirements for tribal representation and political balance). This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 110: INTERSTATE TEACHER MOBILITY COMPACT

HB 110 would establish New Mexico's participation in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to simplify teacher licensure for educators moving between member states. Under the compact, teachers with a full, unrestricted teaching license (an "unencumbered license") from another participating state would typically receive an equivalent license in New Mexico without needing to retake exams or complete additional training. The bill specifically includes provisions to expedite licensure for military spouses relocating due to military orders, aiming to reduce barriers for this group while enabling states to share disciplinary and licensure information.

Topics ✓ Education

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 316: URANIUM WASTE DISPOSAL

SB 316 requires all uranium waste byproducts from mining, milling, or processing in New Mexico to be disposed of only in federally managed underground hazardous waste storage facilities. It prohibits New Mexico state agencies from issuing permits for disposal at any other type of facility. The bill directly affects uranium mining operations and waste handlers operating within the state by restricting disposal options to federally approved sites. This policy change aims to centralize management of uranium waste under federal oversight rather than state permitting. The bill is currently pending before committees and has not advanced to law.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 412: EQUINE DENTAL MAINTENANCE

SB 412 would amend New Mexico's Veterinary Practice Act to create a new exemption allowing certified non-veterinarians to perform specific equine dental procedures. The exemption applies only to individuals certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry or another board-approved entity, covering procedures like removing enamel points, smoothing teeth, and extracting loose or baby teeth. This change would directly affect certified equine dental technicians and horse owners seeking these services, as it legally permits such care without a veterinary license. The bill does not alter requirements for certification or expand the scope of practice beyond the defined procedures.

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HM 7: "LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY"

This House Memorial (HM 7) declares February 10, 2025, as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. It directly affects New Mexico's law enforcement agencies, including state police, county sheriffs, municipal police, tribal departments, and tribal law enforcement entities. The bill's key mechanism is a symbolic declaration to honor officers, accompanied by a directive to distribute copies to relevant agencies. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate actions - only recognizing law enforcement service. The bill was referred to committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 413: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSURE COMPACT

HB 413, the "Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact," allows physician assistants licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed physician assistants, military families (by enabling active-duty personnel and spouses to practice across states based on a good-standing license), and patients receiving care in different states. The key mechanism establishes mutual recognition of licenses, requiring physician assistants to follow the licensing rules of the state where the patient is located at the time of care. This compact also mandates states to share disciplinary actions and criminal background checks through a centralized data system to maintain patient safety standards. The bill passed the New Mexico House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 557: ALLOW TELECOMMUNICATION MARRIAGES

HB 557, titled "Allow Telecommunication Marriages," would amend New Mexico law to permit witnesses at marriage ceremonies to observe via telecommunication (e.g., video calls) instead of requiring physical presence. The bill does not change the requirement that the officiant (such as a judge, clergy member, or authorized civil magistrate) must be physically present in the state during the ceremony. This change would directly affect couples seeking to include remote witnesses, such as family members living out of state or overseas, in their wedding. The bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session but was postponed indefinitely by committee action.

died · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 224: STUDENT LOAN BILL OF RIGHTS ACT

HB 224, the Student Loan Bill of Rights Act, establishes new consumer protections for student loan borrowers in New Mexico. It requires non-bank student loan servicers to obtain a license, prohibits unfair practices like sudden loan acceleration, and mandates clear rights for borrowers - including equal access to repayment options, disability discharge for permanent disability, and cosigner notice and release. The law creates enforcement tools, including a Student Loan Ombud and a private right to sue for violations, while exempting banks and credit unions from licensing. It directly affects New Mexico residents with private student loans, their cosigners, and the non-bank entities managing those loans.

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results