New Mexico Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · New Mexico · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 19: BOARDS OF REGENTS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

SB 19 requires all members of New Mexico's boards of regents for state educational institutions (as listed in the state constitution) to complete 10 hours of mandatory training during their first term. The training covers five specific areas: state constitution and education law (2 hours), financial management (2 hours), student success services (2 hours), governance and resources (2 hours), and ethics/public accountability (2 hours). The Higher Education Department must develop and provide this training, with current board members having until December 31, 2025, to complete it. This bill directly affects all appointed board members of New Mexico's public universities and colleges.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 212: PER- & POLY-FLOUROALKYL PROTECTION ACT

HB 212, the "Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Protection Act," prohibits the sale in New Mexico of consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of items like food packaging, cookware, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, carpets, and cleaning products. The bill requires these products to disclose PFAS content and undergo testing, while authorizing the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt specific rules banning PFAS in certain products. Violations could result in penalties, though the law allows for "currently unavoidable uses" where alternatives aren't available.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 10: RLD CANNABIS ENFORCEMENT

HB 10 establishes a dedicated Enforcement Bureau within New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department to oversee cannabis industry compliance. The bureau, staffed by certified law enforcement officers, has authority to conduct inspections (both announced and unannounced), embargo suspect products, seize items violating regulations, and investigate violations. Businesses (licensees) face penalties including felony charges for tampering with embargoed products or selling recalled items, while the bureau must provide written notice and allow administrative hearings for disputes. The law also creates procedures for product recalls, temporary holds on goods, and destruction of illegal or unsafe cannabis products at the licensee's expense. This bill, signed into law on April 9, 2025, directly affects all cannabis businesses operating under New Mexico's regulatory framework.

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 158: MILITARY BASE PLANNING & IMPACT ACT

HB 158 creates the Military Base Impact Fund to provide grants for infrastructure projects in communities near military bases affected by potential closures, relocations, or job losses. It directly supports "defense communities" (municipalities, counties, or special districts within a 45-minute commute of a military base) by funding projects that help retain military facilities, replace lost defense jobs, or attract new defense-related employers. Grants cover up to 90% of project costs for infrastructure like roads, utilities, or facilities, with annual funding capped at $4 million. The bill repeals outdated military planning offices and requires the state to report on how funds are used to support military base economic stability.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 69: LOAN FORGIVENESS MULTIPLIER ACT

HB 69 establishes a 4.35-hour multiplier for teaching hours worked by adjunct and contingent faculty at New Mexico public colleges when applying for federal student loan forgiveness. This means each actual teaching hour counts as 4.35 hours toward the 120-month requirement, helping part-time faculty qualify more easily. The bill requires colleges to certify employment for eligible staff without delay and provide clear information about the program. It applies to hours worked on or after October 1, 2007, and does not change actual work hours or payment.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · New Mexico · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 21: POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM ACT

SB 21, the "Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act," requires permits for any discharge of pollutants from fixed sources (like pipes or ditches) into waters of the United States. It directly affects businesses, industries, and facilities that discharge pollutants, such as factories, wastewater systems, or mining operations. The bill establishes a permit program managed by New Mexico’s Department of Environment, with the Water Quality Control Commission setting rules, fees, and enforcement procedures. It mandates reporting, inspections, and public access to records, while allowing legal challenges to permit decisions through the commission or courts.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 368: HIGH WAGE JOBS TAX CREDIT "THRESHOLD JOB"

HB 368 amends New Mexico's high-wage jobs tax credit program by updating the definition of "threshold job" to clarify eligibility. It allows businesses to claim an 8.5% tax credit on wages for new high-wage jobs, capped at $12,750 per job annually. Employers must certify specific details like employee wages, job location, and workforce changes when applying. The bill was signed into law in April 2025, making these changes effective for tax credit applications.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 336: CERTAIN RETIREES RETURNING TO WORK

HB 336 allows retired state employees who were peace officers to return to state work without the usual 12-month waiting period required for most retirees. Specifically, it amends retirement rules to exempt retired peace officers from the standard waiting period when rejoining the state as employees with peace officer powers. During reemployment, their pension is suspended but resumes upon leaving the position. This change directly affects retired peace officers employed by the state who wish to return to roles involving law enforcement authority. The bill updates existing retirement provisions without altering pension benefits or creating new financial obligations.

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 398: HMO & CONTRACT PROVIDER EXAM TIME LINES

HB 398 extends the required examination timeline for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and their contracted healthcare providers in New Mexico from every three years to every five years. This change directly affects HMOs and the healthcare providers they contract with, reducing the frequency of regulatory reviews they must undergo. The key provision modifies Section 59A-46-19 of the New Mexico Insurance Code to update the examination schedule while maintaining the requirement for HMOs to submit records and cooperate with exams. The bill aims to reduce administrative burden on these entities while still requiring regular oversight for consumer protection.

signed · New Mexico · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 267: HOUSING APPLICATION FEES

SB 267 requires landlords in New Mexico to clearly disclose all application fees to housing applicants and refund these fees if the application is rejected. It also mandates landlords to notify applicants of upcoming fee increases and extends the required notice period for rent hikes. The bill reduces the maximum allowable late fee and expands renters' legal options for resolving disputes. This law directly affects renters applying for housing and landlords managing rental properties, taking effect after being signed into law on April 9, 2025.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · New Mexico · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 88: MEDICAID TRUST FUND & STATE SUPPORTED FUND

SB 88 creates two new state funds to secure Medicaid financing: the Medicaid Trust Fund (for long-term reserves) and the State-Supported Medicaid Fund (for direct program support). It requires transferring unspent money from general fund appropriations - like leftover capital project funds and reversion balances - to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and directs certain investment income that would normally go to the general fund into this trust. The bill mandates annual distributions from the trust fund to the State-Supported Fund once the trust reaches $500 million, and allows using trust funds if federal Medicaid matching funds drop or general fund balances are insufficient to cover program costs. These changes directly affect New Mexico’s Medicaid program by establishing new mechanisms for funding stability and federal matching.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 78: PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST 340B ENTITIES

HB 78 prohibits New Mexico drug manufacturers and their affiliates from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program. It directly affects community health centers, hospitals, and clinics that serve low-income patients and their contracted pharmacies, ensuring they can access discounted drugs without interference. The law specifically bans manufacturers from denying, restricting, or interfering with the acquisition or delivery of 340B drugs to these entities or requiring extra data sharing beyond federal requirements. Signed into law on April 9, 2025, this bill enforces compliance with federal 340B program rules at the state level.

Topics ✓ Healthcare