New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 160: INCREASE ALTERATION OF FIREARM CRIME SENTENCE

SB 160 would increase prison sentences for certain firearm-related crimes in New Mexico. If a court finds a firearm was used, brandished, or discharged during a noncapital felony (like drug trafficking or aggravated burglary), it would add 2 to 10 years to the base sentence - doubling prior penalties. This applies to people convicted of offenses involving firearms, requiring separate court findings about the firearm's role. The bill mandates jury consideration for these findings in certain cases and includes provisions for firearm forfeiture. The bill is currently under review by Senate committees.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

died · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 79: EVIDENCE IN PROBATION REVOCATION

HB 79 would change the standard of proof required in New Mexico juvenile probation revocation hearings from "beyond a reasonable doubt" to "a preponderance of the evidence" (meaning it is more likely than not that a probation violation occurred). This directly affects juveniles on probation who face revocation proceedings for violating probation terms. The bill amends the state's Delinquency Act to lower the evidentiary standard in these hearings, making it easier for courts to revoke probation based on the lower threshold. The change applies specifically to probation revocation proceedings for youth adjudicated delinquent, not to criminal trials.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 100: STEM INNOVATION NETWORK FUNDING

HB 100 appropriates $3 million from the state general fund to the Public Education Department for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Network during fiscal year 2027. This funding directly supports public schools and educational institutions in New Mexico by financing STEM programs and resources. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2027 must revert to the general fund. The bill establishes a specific, time-bound funding mechanism without altering existing education policies or creating new requirements for schools.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 212: VOICE & VISUAL LIKENESS RIGHTS ACT

The Voice and Visual Likeness Rights Act establishes a new property right for New Mexico residents (including deceased individuals domiciled in the state) to control how their voice and visual likeness are used in digital replicas, such as AI-generated videos or audio. It requires written licenses for commercial use with specific limits: up to 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors (ending at age 18), and mandatory court approval for minor-related licenses. After death, the right must be registered with the state to be enforced and expires 70 years posthumously, with a 10-year window for transfer after death. The bill defines key terms like "digital replica" to clarify prohibited uses, such as unauthorized AI representations that materially alter original performances.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 180: DETENTION CENTER STRIP SEARCHES

SB 180 limits strip or cavity searches in New Mexico juvenile detention facilities to situations where there is a reasonable belief that dangerous contraband is present and cannot be found by other means, requiring authorization from the facility superintendent. The bill mandates that such searches be conducted in the least intrusive manner possible and requires detailed incident reports - including the child's name, search rationale, and results - to be submitted within one business day. It also prohibits cameras or recording devices in shower and toilet areas of detention facilities. These provisions directly affect juvenile detention facilities and the children held in them in New Mexico.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 36: QUANTUM FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE TAX CREDIT

SB 36 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses making at least $3 million in qualified infrastructure or equipment expenditures for quantum facilities located in New Mexico. The credit, capped at $50 million per facility, directly affects companies building quantum technology research facilities in the state. Key provisions require preliminary and final certification from New Mexico's Economic Development Department, mandate equipment stay in-state for 10 years, and include specific definitions for "quantum facility" and "qualified equipment." The credit reduces income tax liability, with unused portions refundable, and is subject to an annual $50 million state budget cap.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 166: TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND TO OTHER FUNDS

SB 166 amends New Mexico's budget law to redirect excess revenue from the General Fund to specific state trust funds under defined conditions. If General Fund revenue exceeds spending and the combined excess plus the General Fund Operating Reserve reaches 5-8% of prior-year spending, the excess above 5% is distributed to Medicaid, behavioral health, community benefits, education reform, rural health care, and senior dignity funds. If the combined amount equals or exceeds 8%, the excess above 8% goes to the Government Results and Opportunity Trust. The bill also requires the tax stabilization reserve to replenish the General Fund Operating Reserve if it falls below 1% of appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 12: PHYSICIAN TAX CREDIT

This bill creates a $4,000 tax credit for New Mexico physicians who provide at least 1,584 hours of healthcare in the state annually. To qualify, physicians must apply for certification through the Department of Health and meet the hour requirement. Unused portions of the credit can be carried forward for up to three years. The credit applies to licensed medical and osteopathic physicians starting with tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 71: PERA CHANGES

SB 71 amends New Mexico's Public Employees Retirement Act (PERA) to include public safety telecommunicators (emergency call center staff) as eligible for "police member" coverage under PERA. This change directly affects current public safety telecommunicators employed by local governments, allowing them to elect to join the police member retirement plan instead of their current plan. The bill establishes an election process for these employees to choose whether to adopt the police member coverage plan, which typically offers different retirement benefit structures. The amendment modifies PERA definitions to explicitly cover telecommunicators under the "municipal police member" category (as defined in Section 10-11-2). The bill is currently pending referral to Senate committees.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 196: PENALTY FOR RECEIVING STOLEN FIREARM

HB 196 increases penalties for receiving stolen firearms in New Mexico by lowering the value threshold that triggers a felony charge. Currently, receiving stolen property valued over $2,500 is a third-degree felony, but this bill makes receiving a stolen firearm a third-degree felony regardless of its value (even under $2,500). It directly affects individuals who knowingly receive, retain, or dispose of a stolen firearm, including dealers who might acquire firearms at suspiciously low prices or in bulk. The change specifically targets firearm-related thefts by making the offense more severe compared to other stolen property. The bill is currently under review by the House Consumer & Public Affairs and Judiciary Committees.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 139: NM HOUSING TRUST FUND

HB 139 appropriates $135 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Housing Trust Fund for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, directly supporting state housing programs. The bill ensures unspent funds at year-end remain in the trust fund rather than reverting to the general budget. This provides stable, multi-year funding to carry out the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund Act, which finances affordable housing initiatives. The legislation focuses on concrete financial allocation, not policy changes or outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 140: AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT OVERSIGHT DUTIES

HB 140 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority for ongoing oversight duties required by the Affordable Housing Act. This funding ensures the Authority can monitor and administer existing affordable housing programs without needing annual budget requests. The bill specifies that unspent funds in any fiscal year will not return to the general fund, providing stable, long-term support for oversight. It directly affects the Mortgage Finance Authority, which manages New Mexico's affordable housing programs, by securing dedicated resources for compliance and program management. The bill does not create new housing policies but provides essential funding for existing oversight mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Bill results