New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 362: COURT INTERVENTION AFTER CYFD DETERMINATION

SB 362 clarifies when courts can order services for children without filing a formal abuse/neglect petition. It adds a new definition to New Mexico law (Section 32A-3B-2(F)) for "families in need of court-ordered services" when CYFD substantiates child abuse/neglect but determines that filing a petition would not be in the child's best interest. This allows courts to directly intervene and provide family services to ensure child safety and access to support. The bill specifically affects families where CYFD has completed an investigation but chooses not to pursue formal court action. It creates a streamlined mechanism for court-ordered services in these cases, avoiding unnecessary legal proceedings.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 445: VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT CHANGES

HB 445 expands New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to cover all crime victims suffering bodily harm or property damage exceeding $1,000, replacing a previous list of specific violent crimes with a broader definition. It redefines "victim" to include anyone directly harmed by any qualifying crime, requires law enforcement to treat victims with dignity and privacy, and mandates electronic notification systems for victims about offender releases pre- and post-conviction. The bill also updates "formally charged" to include filing a criminal complaint and strengthens victims' rights to notice, restitution, and property return. This legislation directly affects all New Mexico crime victims, not just those of specified violent offenses. The bill was referred to committees in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 211: QUANTUM FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE TAX CREDIT

SB 211 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses spending at least $3 million on infrastructure for quantum technology research facilities in New Mexico, capped at $50 million per facility. It directly affects companies building such facilities (excluding U.S. government-operated sites) by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability through a two-step certification process with the economic development department. The credit expires for taxable years ending before 2035, with a total state spending limit of $75 million (increasing to $150 million if New Mexico wins a specific federal quantum grant). The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HM 36: STUDY NUCLEAR ENERGY BENEFITS & COST

House Memorial 36 requests the University of New Mexico (UNM) to study the costs and benefits of developing New Mexico's nuclear energy industry and recommend statutory or regulatory changes. The study must examine economic, safety, and operational factors, with UNM reporting findings to the legislative energy committee. This non-binding memorial directly affects UNM as the study recipient and could inform future policy decisions about nuclear energy development. It does not create new law but seeks research to support potential industry growth, acknowledging New Mexico's historical ties to nuclear energy and uranium mining.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 301: COURT EMERGENCY PROPERTY RESERVE FUND

SB 301 creates a new "Court Emergency Property Reserve Fund" within New Mexico's state treasury, administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The fund, initially funded with $450,000 from the general budget, provides money for emergency repairs, replacement, or reconstruction of court-owned property when regular insurance, warranties, or capital funds don't cover the costs. Unspent balances in the fund do not return to the general budget each year. This directly affects state courts by ensuring they have dedicated resources for urgent property issues without waiting for new appropriations.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 332: UNLAWFUL SQUATTING

HB 332 criminalizes unlawful squatting in New Mexico as a fourth-degree felony, making it illegal for someone to reside on another's property without permission. Property owners can seek doubled damages for injury to property caused by squatters and receive a citation process that gives alleged squatters three business days to contest it with proof like leases or deeds. The bill requires law enforcement to provide a 3-day notice before removal, allowing squatters to submit counter affidavits claiming legal possession, which may lead to a court trial to determine rightful ownership. If a court rules for the property owner, it can award rent value for the occupancy period and other monetary relief.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 179: SATURDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING GRT SUNSET

HB 179 extends the sunset date for a tax deduction allowing small New Mexico businesses to exclude qualifying sales from gross receipts tax. The deduction applies to retail sales under $500 of specific items (like clothing, books, home goods, and toys) made on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. It directly affects small businesses with 10 or fewer employees operating in New Mexico, enabling them to reduce taxable income for these sales. The bill amends the tax code to extend the deduction’s expiration from 2025 to 2030, maintaining the current eligibility rules and reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 34: OIL CONSERVATION PROTECT HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

HB 34 amends New Mexico's Oil and Gas Act to explicitly require the Oil Conservation Commission and the Oil Conservation Division to protect public health and the environment when implementing oil and gas regulations. The bill updates existing statutory language (Section 70-2-11) to add "protect public health and the environment" as a core duty alongside preventing waste and protecting correlative rights. This change clarifies that environmental and health protections are integral to the agencies' regulatory work under the Oil and Gas Act. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025, meaning it did not advance to become law. It directly affects oil and gas regulators and operators subject to the state's conservation rules.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 152: COUNTY PETITION FOR CANNABIS LICENSE PAUSE

SB 152 allows New Mexico counties to request a two-year pause on new cannabis producer licenses by petitioning the Cannabis Control Division. If approved, the division cannot issue new licenses for commercial or medical cannabis production in that county during the moratorium period. Counties must submit petitions within 10 days of approval, and the division must decide within 10 days, with counties able to request an early end if needed. The bill was advanced by committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it has not become law.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 405: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REVIEW COMMITTEE

SB 405 creates a bipartisan committee to review New Mexico's behavioral health policies and practices, focusing on improving care for marginalized populations. The committee, appointed by the legislative council, will develop recommendations for trauma-informed treatment courts, modernize behavioral health laws, and establish a criminal justice task force with judicial district representatives. It must submit final recommendations to the governor and courts by October 2026, using a $300,000 appropriation for staff and operations. The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and remains pending.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 560: WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS

HB 560, the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act, requires New Mexico public high schools (grades 9-12) to establish programs helping students gain workforce skills before graduation. Students can choose pathways including industry certifications, college courses while in high school, apprenticeships with local employers, or on-the-job training. The bill mandates annual evaluations tracking program participation, post-graduation employment, and attendance impacts, with $20 million appropriated for implementation starting in fiscal year 2026. Schools must collaborate with workforce departments to align programs with local job market needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 539: CAMINO REAL REGIONAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

HB 539 creates the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority in New Mexico to provide water and wastewater services, replacing a previous joint agreement between Sunland Park city and Dona Ana County. The authority will be governed by a seven-member board elected by residents within its service area, with powers to set water rates, issue revenue bonds, and manage infrastructure. Key provisions include establishing perpetual liens on properties for unpaid bills, authorizing the board to fix rates (with expert recommendations), and ensuring the authority operates independently from the Public Regulation Commission. This special district directly affects property owners and water users in the designated service area.

Bill results