SB 495 would have established a dedicated nonreverting fund within New Mexico's state treasury to replace equipment at educational television and radio stations operated by state institutions of higher education and public schools. The Higher Education Department would have developed rules for distributing funds via department vouchers, ensuring future appropriations for this purpose wouldn't revert to the general fund without specific language. The bill passed both legislative chambers in March 2025 but received a pocket veto, meaning it did not become law. It directly affected public universities, community colleges, and public schools operating educational broadcast stations.
SB 303, titled "GAMING MACHINE STANDARDS," would require all gaming machines in New Mexico to meet specific safety, fairness, and transparency standards to qualify for licensing. Key provisions include preventing machine manipulation to affect winning odds, mandating electronic meters to track all money transactions (including payouts and credits), requiring detailed ticket vouchers for non-coin payouts with timestamps and machine IDs, and ensuring a minimum 80% payback rate over time. The bill also requires machines to link to a central monitoring system and only offer games approved by the gaming board. This directly affects gaming machine operators and manufacturers who must comply with these new specifications to maintain licensure.
SB 109 clarifies the roles of New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and its supporting staff agency, distinguishing the three-member regulatory body from its administrative staff. It updates the nominating committee structure to require geographic diversity in commissioner candidates and mandates that commissioners complete annual ethics training and 32 hours of relevant continuing education. The bill also specifies prohibited conflicts of interest for commissioners and their staff. These changes directly affect PRC commissioners, the nominating committee members, and individuals applying for PRC positions.
HB 519 creates a Board of Directors for New Mexico's African American Performing Arts Center and Exhibit Hall, transferring its management from the state fair commission to this new board. The board - composed of five members appointed by the center foundation, governor, cultural affairs department, and a university program - will operate, staff, and request funding for the center, which is located on state fairgrounds. The bill requires the board to make recommendations on programming and maintenance while working with the Cultural Affairs Department, and it transfers all center assets, funds, and contracts to the board upon enactment. However, the bill was pocket-vetoed by the governor on April 14, 2025, so it did not become law.
HB 155 changes qualifications for New Mexico's Gaming Control Board Executive Director by removing the previous limit that capped the director's annual salary at the governor's pay. It also updates the required experience to include "regulatory agency or gaming industry" (removing the "governmental" qualifier). The bill directly affects the Gaming Control Board's leadership position and its hiring process. However, the bill was pocket-vetoed by the governor on April 14, 2025, meaning it did not become law and the salary cap remains in effect.
HB 449 creates a state fund to finance major capital projects at New Mexico's public higher education institutions. It specifically funds projects costing $50 million or more for instruction/research at four-year universities and student housing/life projects at both two- and four-year schools. The bill requires institutions to provide matching funds (25-50% from non-state sources) and comply with space/design standards set by the Higher Education Department, with limited waivers available if institutions cannot afford matches. The bill passed the Senate but was pocket vetoed by the governor on April 14, 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 571, the "Building Housing Communities Act," creates a program to recognize New Mexico municipalities that adopt zoning and land-use strategies increasing housing options. Municipalities meeting department-approved criteria would earn a "Building New Mexico Community" designation, with the Department of Finance and Administration developing specific strategies to reduce regulatory barriers. Key provisions include addressing urban/rural differences, simplifying development reviews, lowering construction costs, and expanding permitted housing types. The bill aims to directly support local governments in boosting housing availability through targeted zoning reforms.
HB 209 requires the Sunshine Portal website to include direct links to the exact state law that created each government fund, making it easier for the public to find the legal basis for state spending. This amendment modifies Section 10-16D-3 of New Mexico law, specifically adding a requirement in subsection D(22) for the portal to link users directly to statutory provisions establishing funds. The bill affects state agencies responsible for maintaining the portal and the public seeking transparency about how taxpayer dollars are allocated. It does not change fund creation or operations but improves access to the legal foundation of state financial accounts.
HB 183 adjusts retirement eligibility requirements for magistrate judges in New Mexico. It increases the required years of service from five to eight for magistrates who joined the system on or after July 1, 2014, to qualify for normal retirement at age 65. The bill also updates fund administration rules, requiring investment income to be credited to the Magistrate Retirement Fund and clarifying how different account types (like member contributions and employer funds) are managed. These changes directly affect magistrate judges who joined after 2014, altering their path to retirement benefits. The bill passed the legislature but received a pocket veto on April 14, 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 182 amends New Mexico's judicial retirement system to adjust service credit requirements for judges retiring under the current plan. It reduces the required years of service for judges joining after July 1, 2014, from eight to five years at age 65 (or fifteen years at age 60), aligning with earlier provisions for other judge groups. The bill also updates how retirement fund income from investments is credited and distributed among different account types (like member contributions and retirement reserves). These changes directly affect current and future New Mexico judges participating in the judicial retirement system.
SB 302 requires background investigations for contractors seeking unescorted access to Gaming Control Board facilities and updates application and renewal processes for gaming licenses, certifications of suitability, and work permits. Applicants must submit disclosure statements including fingerprints, criminal history details, business activities, and consent to background checks, with investigations completed before access or approval. The Gaming Control Board may deny access or licenses based on felony convictions, misrepresentation, or violations of gaming laws within the past decade. This bill directly affects contractors, license applicants, and permit holders in New Mexico’s gaming industry.
HB 203 requires all employees of New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to use only state-issued electronic devices for work-related communication. The bill mandates hourly backups of all electronic records (including emails, texts, and documents) generated during work duties, with these records retained for 24 years after an employee leaves. It also requires department-approved software compliant with data protection laws and prohibits the use of personal devices for official business. These provisions apply directly to CYFD staff performing departmental duties.
