HB 448 creates the Office of Housing Planning and Production within New Mexico's Department of Finance and Administration to address housing challenges. The office will develop statewide housing strategies, collect and analyze housing data (including regional gaps and market trends), and provide technical assistance to local governments, tribes, and communities to increase housing availability - especially for low-income and homeless households. Key duties include streamlining land use regulations, promoting innovative housing solutions (like modular homes), and coordinating state and local efforts to reduce costs and grow housing capacity. This bill directly affects New Mexicans facing housing shortages, with a focus on improving access through data-driven policy and local partnerships.
This bill would establish a New Mexico program providing partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking leave for specific reasons, including bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster placement), caring for a family member with a serious health condition, taking leave for the employee's own serious health condition, military family needs related to a spouse's deployment, or protection from domestic violence. Administered by the Workforce Solutions Department, the program would be funded through a new state leave fund and cover both employees and self-employed individuals who meet eligibility criteria. It sets time limits on leave duration, excludes certain workers (such as those covered by federal railroad laws), and preempts other similar local programs. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners and other close relationships, ensuring coverage for diverse household situations.
SB 123 clarifies law enforcement responsibilities for regional transit districts in New Mexico. It allows districts to employ their own law enforcement officers with authority over district-owned property, tracks, vehicles, and facilities, requiring officers to wear distinctive badges or uniforms for valid arrests. The bill mandates that these officers obtain state certification within one year of hire and permits districts to contract with external law enforcement agencies. This directly affects transit districts and their officers by defining their legal authority and operational requirements. The bill was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, after committee approval.
HB 228 limits local government restrictions on battery-powered security fences with alarm systems outside exclusively residential zones. It prohibits counties and municipalities from banning these fences, imposing extra safety requirements beyond national standards, or requiring additional permits beyond standard alarm permits. The bill specifies technical requirements, including a maximum 12-volt battery, 5-foot non-electric perimeter fencing, 30-foot warning signs reading "WARNING: ELECTRIC FENCE," and height limits. This directly affects property owners (e.g., businesses, mixed-use properties) seeking to install such security systems in non-residential areas, while leaving residential zoning rules unchanged.
SB 254 proposes renaming New Mexico's "Cybersecurity Office" to the "Office of Cybersecurity" and places it under the Department of Information Technology, managed by a Security Officer. The bill requires this office to establish minimum security standards for all state agencies, develop centralized incident response plans for major breaches (affecting over 10,000 residents or involving nation-state actors), and create a unified data breach reporting process. It also revises the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee's membership to include specific representation from counties, municipalities, tribal governments, healthcare, education, and private cybersecurity experts. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and tribal entities by standardizing cybersecurity practices and reporting requirements across New Mexico's public sector.
HB 208 allows New Mexico residents applying for a hunting or fishing license at the Department of Game and Fish to register to vote simultaneously. It adds the department of game and fish to existing state agencies (like motor vehicle offices) where eligible voters can register or update their registration during service interactions. The bill requires the department to appoint license vendors to accept voter registration forms, with all registrations transmitted to election officials within 10 days. This policy change directly affects people seeking hunting/fishing licenses who are not already registered to vote, expanding access points for voter registration without altering voting rights or requirements.
This New Mexico bill requires state license applications for hunting, fishing, and concealed handgun permits to include a checkbox allowing applicants to indicate their status as organ donors. The legislation establishes a statewide registry managed by the Motor Vehicle Division where these donor preferences are recorded and maintained. Authorized medical personnel can access the registry to verify a person's donor status before or after their death, ensuring their wishes are honored. The bill also mandates that specific donor language be printed on all application forms starting January 1, 2026, and requires witnesses to sign the forms for new donors.
HB 154 exempts tax-exempt youth-serving organizations (like schools, sports clubs, or educational groups) from needing permits for fundraising raffles. It specifically removes the requirement to comply with New Mexico’s Bingo and Raffle Act for these raffles when the organization primarily serves youth under 18. The exemption applies to all fundraising raffles held by qualifying groups, eliminating administrative hurdles for their events. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.
HB 21 changes the revenue thresholds that determine the percentage of annual distributions land grant-merced communities receive from New Mexico's Land Grant-Mercy Assistance Fund. The bill adjusts the income levels qualifying for full (100%), 75%, 50%, or 25% distributions and makes the fund nonreverting, meaning any remaining balance at year-end stays in the fund instead of reverting to the general fund. This directly affects land grant-merced communities meeting compliance requirements under the fund's rules. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
HB 220 prohibits property deeds, contracts, and homeowner association (HOA) bylaws from banning or unreasonably restricting ignition-resistant construction (like fire-resistant materials or landscaping) that meets industry standards. It directly affects homeowners and HOAs by making such restrictions unenforceable, while allowing HOAs to impose reasonable design standards with a 60-day review window for applications. The bill defines "fire hazard" as conditions increasing fire risk and ensures HOAs cannot deny applications without written justification. It does not override mandatory building codes but aligns with safety standards from recognized industry bodies.
SB 161 requires the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to conduct state and national criminal background checks on all employees and volunteers who supervise minors in DMA youth programs, including the Youth Challenge, Job Challenge Academies, and Governor's Summer Program. It mandates fingerprinting for these checks, with applicants covering the cost, and restricts the use of results solely to DMA hiring decisions for minor-supervision roles. The bill prohibits employment or volunteering for individuals with convictions involving sex crimes, crimes against minors, or drug felonies, while allowing consideration of other relevant offenses. It also requires applicants to acknowledge their right to review and dispute background report details. This policy directly affects DMA staff and volunteers working with minors in specific youth programs.
SB 38 creates a new Office of Special Education within New Mexico's Public Education Department, headed by a deputy secretary appointed for expertise in special education. The bill reorganizes oversight by moving the State Special Education Ombud from the Developmental Disabilities Council to the Public Education Department and transfers certain federal funding to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. The Office will oversee school district compliance with federal special education law (IDEA), monitor student progress, develop transition plans for students with disabilities, and coordinate services across state agencies. It directly affects students with disabilities, school districts, and state education agencies by establishing new oversight structures and requiring annual training for school staff on special education requirements. The law also mandates updates to state special education policy plans every three years.
