HB 132 would create a legal presumption that specific health conditions are work-related for New Mexico police officers, directly affecting commissioned officers (including sheriffs, deputies, and certain missile range civilian police) who meet the eligibility criteria. The bill presumes that PTSD (after 20 years for pre-2013 hires, 25 years for later hires), back pain from wearing a duty belt, and heart issues (same timeframes) were caused by employment. Employers could rebut these presumptions with evidence showing non-work-related causes, but would initially cover medical treatment until a court rules otherwise. If a court finds the condition isn’t work-related, the employer’s insurer would be reimbursed by the officer’s health insurance plan.
HB 60 amends New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to expand the definition of "criminal offense" to specifically include certain crimes committed against peace officers, such as aggravated assault, battery, or assault with intent to commit a violent felony. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses by ensuring they qualify for victim services and compensation under the Act. The bill adds 3 new provisions (22-24 in the definition list) referencing crimes against officers under Section 30-22-22 to 30-22-25 of the state criminal code. It does not alter criminal penalties but adjusts eligibility for victim support programs. The bill was referred to committee with a "DO PASS" recommendation.
HB 254 modifies New Mexico's utility cost test to allow investor-owned electric utilities to include the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions when determining if energy efficiency programs are cost-effective. This change directly affects investor-owned utilities by enabling them to count reduced emissions as a financial benefit in cost-benefit analyses for energy-saving programs. The bill amends definitions and procedures in the Efficient Use of Energy Act, requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider avoided emissions when evaluating whether utility programs meet the "utility cost test" standard. It does not mandate new emissions reductions but changes how existing programs are assessed for cost-effectiveness. The bill is currently pending before the House committees.
SB 172 extends New Mexico's Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit, allowing national laboratories operating in the state to claim tax credits for costs incurred while helping registered New Mexico businesses mature technologies developed at those labs. The credit covers qualified expenses like lab staff salaries, travel, and supplies, up to $150,000 per business annually and with annual limits per laboratory (starting at $2 million in 2026-2027 and rising to $5 million by 2029). To qualify, businesses must be registered in New Mexico and have licensed technology from the lab or participate in a cooperative research agreement with it. National laboratories must submit annual reports detailing program activities, business progress, and economic impact studies to the state tax department.
HB 20 requires New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Division to add a Native American designation to driver's licenses and identification cards when requested by applicants who provide tribal documentation. It directly affects Native American applicants in New Mexico who can verify tribal membership through an enhanced tribal card, tribal ID, certificate of Indian blood, or tribal/BIA affidavit. The bill mandates that the designation must not specify a particular tribe or pueblo, and cannot include personal information beyond what is needed to confirm tribal membership. This policy change allows tribal members to have their cultural identity recognized on official state IDs without revealing specific tribal affiliations.
HB 127 requires the New Mexico Medical Board to grant expedited licenses to physicians already licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or foreign countries who meet all other licensing criteria. It also mandates the creation of a public registry for out-of-state telehealth providers, requiring them to maintain active licenses elsewhere, carry professional liability insurance, and avoid physical offices or in-state patient interactions in New Mexico. The bill directly affects out-of-state physicians seeking to practice medicine or provide telehealth services in New Mexico, and imposes new administrative duties on the Medical Board. Key provisions include standardized application requirements for the registry, public disclosure of provider details, and mandatory reporting of disciplinary actions against their out-of-state licenses. The bill repeals an outdated section of existing law to implement these changes.
HB 87 clarifies New Mexico's criminal sexual contact law by removing the requirement that non-consensual touching must involve "unclothed intimate parts." The bill amends the statute to define criminal sexual contact as intentional touching of "intimate parts" (including genital area, groin, buttocks, anus, or breast) without consent, regardless of clothing. This change directly affects victims of sexual assault and law enforcement by making it easier to prosecute cases involving non-consensual touching of covered intimate areas, while maintaining existing definitions and exceptions for psychotherapy. The bill passed the House and moved to the Senate before being postponed.
SB 507 updates New Mexico's Concealed Handgun Carry Act to lower the minimum age for a concealed carry license from 21 to 19 years old. It requires licensees to complete a four-hour refresher firearms training course for license renewal and a separate two-hour refresher course two years after issuance. The bill also adds new denial criteria for applicants with certain misdemeanor convictions (e.g., domestic violence, DUI, drug offenses) within specified timeframes and mandates that licenses display the holder's permitted handgun category and maximum caliber. These changes directly affect New Mexico residents applying for or renewing concealed carry permits.
HB 346 bans the sale, possession, advertising, or marketing of semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids (like synthetic marijuana products) in New Mexico. It requires the Environmental Improvement Board to create rules regulating hemp-derived products sold to consumers, including setting THC limits (no more than 0.3% or federal limits, whichever is higher). The bill affects hemp retailers, manufacturers, and consumers by mandating compliance with these new regulations for products like edibles and vape cartridges containing hemp extracts. It also clarifies that hemp products meeting THC limits are exempt from certain food safety laws.
HB 238 allows New Mexico middle and high school teachers to use up to 60 instructional hours per school year for professional development and collaboration during the regular school day. It specifically authorizes time for activities like educator training, parent-teacher conferences, and mentorship between staff, all aligned with academic standards. The bill amends existing school year requirements to explicitly permit this dedicated professional time without reducing core instructional hours. It directly affects teachers and school staff in public middle and high schools, not students. The bill was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025.
HB 249 amends New Mexico's unemployment law to allow the Secretary of Workforce Solutions to waive the standard one-week waiting period for benefits during declared federal or state emergencies or disasters. This change would directly help unemployed workers who lose jobs due to events like wildfires, floods, or other declared emergencies by enabling faster access to benefits. The bill modifies Section 51-1-5(4) of the unemployment code to give the Secretary authority to eliminate the waiting week requirement when emergencies are officially recognized. It does not alter other eligibility rules but streamlines benefit access during crisis situations.
SB 143 creates a dedicated "utility oversight fund" in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by fees collected from utilities (like electric, gas, and water providers) operating within the state. The bill increases the annual inspection fee from 0.59% to 0.6% of utilities' New Mexico gross receipts and directs all related fees, late interest (15% annually), and penalties (2% for late payments) into this new fund, which cannot be used for other state purposes. The Public Regulation Commission will manage the fund, using it to support its oversight duties under the Public Utility Act, with disbursements requiring legislative appropriation.
