New Mexico Bills

passed both · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 346: HEMP PRODUCTS & SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS

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.

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

passed · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 238: MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL WORK HOURS

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.

Topics ✓ Education

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

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 270: FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER OPERATIONS

SB 270 appropriates $500 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Health for fiscal year 2026 to support the operations of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). This funding directly affects FQHCs across the state, which provide primary care services in underserved communities. The bill establishes a one-time appropriation with unspent funds reverting to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2026. It does not create new programs but allocates existing state resources to sustain current FQHC operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 483: NO RESTRICTIONS ON PLASTIC BAG USE

HB 483 would prevent local governments and state agencies from banning or restricting grocery stores from providing plastic bags to customers. It directly affects grocery stores (by prohibiting restrictions on their bag use) and local governments (by blocking ordinances that limit plastic bags). The bill defines plastic bags broadly as any bag made from synthetic material (including plant-based options) used for carrying groceries at checkout. The legislation was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not advance further. This bill would effectively block existing or future local plastic bag restrictions across New Mexico.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 342: BRACKISH WATER PROJECTS FUNDING

SB 342 appropriates $50 million to New Mexico's Office of the State Engineer for brackish water projects in the lower Rio Grande, middle Rio Grande, Permian Basin, and northwest regions, funding exploration, treatment, and aquifer studies. It also allocates $16 million to New Mexico Tech and $4 million to New Mexico State University for research, technology development, and aquifer monitoring related to these projects. The bill requires the Department of Environment to create rules for brackish water use (defined as deep aquifer water with high salt content) by December 2026. All funds must be spent by fiscal year 2030, with unspent balances reverting to the state general fund. The legislation directly affects state agencies, universities, and water projects targeting brackish water resources.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 59: EARNED WAGE ACCESS SERVICES ACT

HB 59, the Earned Wage Access Services Act, creates a licensing system for companies that offer workers early access to earned but unpaid wages (like salary or hourly pay not yet paid by an employer). It requires these providers to obtain a license from New Mexico's Financial Institutions Division, with exemptions for banks, credit unions, and employers offering direct advances. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" and clarifies that these services are not loans or money transmission. This directly affects workers using such services and the businesses providing them, establishing rules for licensing, fees, and provider conduct.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HJR 9: DENIAL OF BAIL, CA

HJR 9 proposes amending New Mexico's constitution to change bail denial rules. It would allow judges to deny bail for people who previously skipped court (a flight risk), not just for felony charges, and remove the requirement that bail denials must be issued by a "court of record." The bill also adds provisions for people who cannot afford bond to request expedited relief from posting bail. This constitutional change would need voter approval at the next general election.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 387: EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACCOUNT ACT

HB 387, the Education Opportunity Account Act, creates a state-funded program allowing New Mexico students (residents not yet holding a high school diploma) to use state deposits to cover private school tuition and qualifying education expenses. The state would deposit monthly funds into accounts based on average public school spending per grade (adjusted for special needs), covering costs like private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees. Parents must contract with the state annually for approved expenses, and unused funds revert to the general fund after two years unless waived for extenuating circumstances. The program does not require students to attend private schools but prohibits parents from adding personal funds to accounts or receiving refunds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 345: FOSTER CARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT

HB 345 requires New Mexico's child welfare department to conduct a behavioral health assessment for any child entering foster care within 45 days of placement. This assessment, specifically a "child and adolescent needs and strengths trauma assessment," must be followed by referrals to appropriate behavioral health services. The bill directly affects children entering foster care in New Mexico, ensuring they receive early mental health evaluations before permanent placement. It amends state law to mandate this process, replacing previous requirements with a standardized assessment framework. The law is set to take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results