HB 116 requires the New Mexico Department of Health to pay licensed boarding homes $200 monthly for each resident discharged from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (Las Vegas) or the University of New Mexico Adult Psychiatric Center, starting January 1, 2026. This applies only to boarding homes licensed by the Department of Health and mandates the department to create rules for documentation and fraud prevention. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to cover these payments, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund by year-end. It directly affects licensed boarding homes housing individuals transitioning from state psychiatric facilities.
HB 316 prohibits New Mexico state or local governments from adopting laws, ordinances, or regulations that restrict law enforcement personnel or resources from assisting federal immigration authorities or interfere with federal immigration enforcement. It directly affects cities, counties, and local police departments that might have implemented "sanctuary" policies. The bill's key provision bans any local rules that prevent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, such as limiting data sharing or resource allocation. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and did not advance further.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
