New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 620: PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE

This bill (HB 620) has no substantive provisions described in the provided text beyond its title. It appears to be a procedural placeholder with no specific policy changes or mechanisms outlined. The bill was referred to the House Rules and Order of Business Committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, indicating it did not advance. No specific groups or individuals are identified as being affected by this bill, as it lacks concrete legislative content. Therefore, no policy changes or direct impacts can be summarized.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 549: CRIME OF CARRYING A GUN WHILE TRAFFICKING

HB 549 proposes a new third-degree felony offense for carrying a firearm while trafficking controlled substances in New Mexico. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug trafficking (violating Section 30-31-20 NMSA) who also carry a firearm, defined as any weapon designed to expel projectiles. The bill would impose a felony penalty, requiring sentencing under existing third-degree felony guidelines (Section 31-18-15 NMSA). The law is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 89: REMOVE CANNABIS TAX INCREMENTAL INCREASES

SB 89 would freeze New Mexico's recreational cannabis sales tax at 12% after July 1, 2025, preventing scheduled annual increases that would have raised the rate to 18% by 2030. It directly affects cannabis retailers selling recreational products, while maintaining the existing exemption for medical cannabis sales (requiring a registry card). The bill amends the tax code to remove the incremental rate increases from the current schedule, keeping tax rates stable for businesses. This is a policy change to the tax structure, not a new tax.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 531: SANTA FE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE FUND

This bill creates a special $40 million escrow fund using money from New Mexico's tobacco settlement to support the establishment of a new Santa Fe College of Osteopathic Medicine. The fund, held until the college graduates its first class and achieves full accreditation (or by July 1, 2032), requires the college to annually report student data like applications, acceptances, graduation rates, and residency placements. The funds are transferred from the tobacco settlement permanent fund to this new account on July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the new medical college and its operations, with no other entities or policies mentioned as being directly impacted.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 379: STATE WINTER HOLIDAY SONG

SB 379, introduced by Senator Pete Campos, would have designated "Gracias New Mexico" (written by Carol J. Mayberry-Sánchez) as New Mexico's official state winter holiday song. The bill specifies the song's lyrics and declares it to represent winter holiday traditions in the state. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct effects on constituents. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and did not become law.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 264: STATE EMPLOYEE SALARIES, LEAVE & RETENTION

HB 264 would adjust minimum state employee salaries annually starting July 2026 using inflation data (consumer price index), ensuring raises keep pace with cost-of-living increases. It establishes new annual leave accrual rates based on years of service (e.g., 4.62 hours per pay period for under 3 years) and guarantees 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible employees following birth, adoption, or custody of a child. The bill also creates a remote work policy to support recruitment and retention, requiring remote positions to be based in New Mexico and maintaining standard work expectations. These provisions apply to most state employees, though collective bargaining agreements may override specific terms.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 189: CHIROPRACTIC LICENSING CHANGES

HB 189 amends New Mexico's Chiropractic Physician Practice Act to update licensing requirements and expand the scope of practice for certified chiropractors. The bill requires all new license applicants to provide proof of graduation from an accredited chiropractic program and mandates that the Chiropractic Board include a certified advanced practice chiropractor member. It establishes two certification levels (Level One and Level Two) for advanced practice chiropractors, granting them authority to prescribe dangerous drugs and perform specific clinical procedures previously restricted. These changes directly affect chiropractic license applicants and practitioners seeking advanced certification in New Mexico. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 486: BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR RETURNING CHILDREN

HB 486 requires criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks before returning a child to a parent, guardian, or custodian after the child has been taken into state custody due to abuse or neglect. It also mandates these checks before placing a child in foster care with a relative. The bill amends New Mexico law to require the Children, Youth and Families Department to conduct these checks and review results before making any release decision. This applies specifically to children in state custody under abuse/neglect cases, directly affecting caregivers seeking to regain custody. The law aims to ensure child safety by verifying caregivers' backgrounds prior to reunification.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 296: PHYSICIAN INCOME TAX

SB 296 creates a $50,000 annual tax credit for physicians in New Mexico who have completed medical residency, practice full-time in the state, and hold outstanding medical student loans. The credit applies to up to five consecutive taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and can be used to offset state income tax liability or refunded if it exceeds the tax owed. Physicians must obtain eligibility certification from the state's higher education department and claim the credit within three years of receiving certification. This policy directly supports medical professionals by reducing the financial burden of student debt while encouraging retention in New Mexico.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 194: NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF FRANCHISES

SB 194 requires suppliers (manufacturers, wholesalers, or distributors of farm tractors, construction equipment, or related parts) to provide dealers (businesses selling that equipment) with specific notice before terminating a franchise agreement. It mandates 180 days' written notice for most terminations, detailing all "good cause" reasons and granting dealers 60 days to fix issues before termination. For terminations based on failure to meet performance standards, suppliers must provide a 2-year notice period. The bill also requires suppliers to approve or deny dealer business transfer requests within 60 days or deem the request approved, with clear written justification for denials. This directly affects dealers in New Mexico's farm and construction equipment sectors by strengthening their notice and appeal rights.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 471: RAINFALL ENHANCEMENT PILOT PROJECT

SB 471 creates a one-year rainfall enhancement pilot project administered by the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District in New Mexico, testing cloud-seeding technology to increase natural precipitation and help mitigate drought. The project, funded with $1.2 million from the state general fund, requires collaboration with New Mexico State University to analyze data and report results to the legislature, while ensuring any additional water counts as natural supply under existing water rights. It explicitly states that state-funded rainfall enhancement activities cannot form the basis for liability claims. The bill mandates annual reporting on project outcomes and recommendations for future use, with all water derived from the project managed under current water rights laws.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HM 58: STUDY PSILOCYBIN-BASED MEDICATION TREATMENT

This House Memorial (HM 58) requests New Mexico's Department of Health to study psilocybin-based medication treatments. The study would examine training requirements for medical professionals, safety testing protocols, regulatory barriers, equity access strategies, and potential licensing frameworks for these treatments. It does not authorize or regulate psilocybin use but aims to inform future policy by gathering evidence on safe, effective, and equitable implementation for New Mexico residents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results