New Mexico Bills

signed · New Mexico · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SM 2: PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE MEDICAID BENEFIT

This bill (SM 2) requests New Mexico's Health Care Authority to create a Medicaid benefit for pediatric palliative care, directly affecting children with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses and their families. It would allow these children to receive palliative care - managing pain, symptoms, and emotional support - while continuing curative treatments, unlike current hospice rules that require a terminal prognosis. The request includes specific provisions for coordinated care, 24/7 nurse access, and quality standards based on a UNM-developed model. Studies cited show similar programs improve quality of life, reduce hospital visits, and can save Medicaid costs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · House Feb 9, 2026

HB 50: SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE INTERSTATE COMPACT

HB 50 creates the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It establishes a "multistate license" system where a social worker's home state license authorizes practice in all compact states, using a shared data system to track licenses and any restrictions. To join, states must require national exams, meet education standards, and have complaint systems in place. The bill directly affects licensed social workers seeking to work in multiple states and their home state licensing authorities, streamlining practice across state lines while maintaining oversight.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · Senate Feb 7, 2026

SB 1: INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT ACT

This bill establishes New Mexico's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, enabling licensed physicians to more easily practice across participating states. It requires physicians seeking multi-state licensure to maintain a "state of principal license" (their primary practice location) and meet strict eligibility criteria, including no criminal convictions, active licensure, and no pending disciplinary actions. The compact creates a commission to manage applications, verify qualifications, and issue "expedited licenses" without requiring full re-licensure in each state. This primarily affects physicians already licensed in New Mexico who wish to provide care in other participating states, streamlining cross-state medical practice. The bill is pending final approval after passing the House.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · House Feb 7, 2026

HB 9: IMMIGRANT SAFETY ACT

HB 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, prohibits New Mexico state and local government entities - including sheriffs' departments, schools, and public agencies - from entering into agreements or using public property to detain individuals for federal immigration enforcement. It requires existing agreements facilitating such detentions to be terminated upon the law's effective date. The bill specifically bans public bodies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detention and ensures local policies align with these restrictions. Currently passed by both legislative chambers, it awaits the governor's signature to become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

signed · New Mexico · Senate Feb 7, 2026

SB 2: STATE HIGHWAY PROJECT BONDS

SB 2 increases funding for New Mexico's highway projects by raising fees on vehicle registrations and commercial truck taxes. It raises weight-distance tax rates for commercial trucks (affecting freight companies), increases standard passenger vehicle registration fees, and adds new annual fees for electric vehicles ($70-$90) and plug-in hybrids ($35-$45) starting in 2027. All new revenue from these changes goes directly to the State Road Fund to support highway improvements. The bill specifically targets commercial truck operators, all vehicle owners, and electric vehicle owners, with fee amounts varying by vehicle type and registration year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Mexico · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3: DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2026

This bill (HB 3) is a funding authorization for New Mexico's Department of Transportation (DOT) for fiscal year 2027. It allocates specific budget amounts for highway construction and maintenance ($556 million for design/construction, $321 million for operations), including funding for road projects, bridge inspections, and equipment. The bill includes performance targets, such as maintaining 95% of bridges in fair or better condition and completing 88% of projects on schedule. It directly affects DOT operations and state highway infrastructure management, with no new policy changes - only funding allocation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

signed · New Mexico · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 19: SCHOOL FINANCE UNIT VALUE RESET

SB 19 adjusts New Mexico's public school funding calculation for fiscal year 2026 by resetting the "unit value" used to determine state education funding. It requires the Secretary of Public Education to adjust this value by February 27, 2026, based on statewide unit counts after consulting with finance departments and legislative committees. This change directly affects all public schools in New Mexico by altering the formula for calculating their state funding allocation for that fiscal year. The bill is a temporary adjustment for FY2026, not a permanent change to the school finance system.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 1: FEED BILL

HB 1, titled "FEED BILL," is a procedural appropriations bill that funds the operational expenses of the New Mexico Legislature for its 2026 second session. It allocates $7.24 million for member per diems, salaries, mileage, printing, and other legislative costs (including $13.2 million for district staff support), and $12.8 million for the Legislative Council Service. The bill does not create new policies or affect citizens; it solely provides funding for the legislature’s internal operations. (Note: "FEED BILL" appears to be a misnomer for this appropriations measure.)

signed · New Mexico · House Nov 13, 2025

HB 1: GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

This bill allocates funds for New Mexico's 2025 special legislative session and fiscal year 2026 operations. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, with unspent balances reverting to state funds. Major allocations include $1 million for court behavioral health pilots, $5.56 million for educational TV/radio, and $17.3 million for Medicaid premium assistance (pending House Bill 2). All funds must be spent by 2027 or return to state reserves.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Nov 10, 2025

SB 1: GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

This bill expands New Mexico's Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to provide grants to rural health care providers and facilities in high-need geographic areas with health professional shortages. It directly affects eligible rural providers (licensed in counties under 100,000 population or designated shortage areas) that serve Medicaid recipients and face operating losses for new or expanded services. Key provisions allow grants covering operating losses (not construction), require Medicaid provider status, mandate financial accountability through verified cost data, and prioritize services addressing critical community health needs. The bill appropriates $50 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years, with unspent funds not reverting to the general fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · Senate Oct 8, 2025

SB 3: IMMUNIZATION RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS

SB 3 requires New Mexico schools and childcare programs to follow immunization rules based on recommendations from the state health department or the American Academy of Pediatrics. It also mandates that adult immunization guidelines align with specific medical associations' guidance. The bill prohibits health insurance plans from charging copays or deductibles for vaccines recommended by the health department and ensures state-purchased vaccines meet those standards. This affects children in schools/childcare, adults seeking immunizations, and health insurers. The bill was declared an emergency to expedite implementation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · New Mexico · House Oct 7, 2025

HB 1: GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

HB 1 is a funding bill that allocates money from New Mexico's general fund for the 2025 special legislative session and specific state programs. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, plus $1 million for court behavioral health programs, $5.56 million for public broadcasting, and $30 million for food assistance programs like SNAP benefits and food banks. The bill also funds $450,000 for New Mexico State University and $7.88 million to cover operational shortfalls for the Regulation and Licensing Department. Unspent funds for most programs must revert to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2027, ensuring accountability.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Bill results