New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 160: STUDENT USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION PLANS

SB 160 requires all New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy governing student use of wireless communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) by August 1, 2025. The policy must prohibit device use during instruction unless for educational purposes, medical needs, disability accommodations, or emergencies, while allowing accessibility tools. Schools must publish policies online, hold public meetings for feedback, provide staff training, and annually evaluate policy effectiveness. The bill directly affects school districts and charter schools, not individual students or parents, by mandating structured device-use guidelines aligned with educational and health needs.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 129: RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE TAX CREDIT

SB 129 creates a tax credit for New Mexico railroads to offset costs for infrastructure improvements. It allows eligible railroads (classified as Class 2 or 3 by federal regulators, or owners of rail spurs in NM) to claim a 50% credit on qualified reconstruction/replacement costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) or new rail infrastructure projects (capped at $1 million per new customer project). To claim the credit, railroads must first get certification from the Department of Transportation, which limits annual credits to $6 million total. The credit can be carried forward if unused or transferred to another business, but it only applies to state tax liability and excludes federally funded projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

passed · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 443: NO CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUG COST SHARING

SB 443 prohibits health insurance plans in New Mexico from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for cholesterol-lowering drugs. It applies to all group health coverage, individual health insurance policies, HMOs, and nonprofit health care plans delivered, issued, or renewed in the state. The bill defines "cost sharing" broadly to include any out-of-pocket payment beyond premiums, ensuring these medications are covered without financial barriers. The law would take effect on January 1, 2026, if enacted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 411: STATE MINERAL

HB 411 proposes adding Smithsonite as New Mexico's official mineral by amending state law to include it in the list of designated state symbols. This symbolic bill directly affects New Mexico's official state identity by expanding its catalog of recognized symbols, which already includes items like the yucca flower and chile vegetables. The bill's mechanism is purely procedural - requiring a statutory update to the existing list without imposing new regulations or affecting any policies. As a purely symbolic measure with no fiscal or regulatory impact, it does not change how state government operates or affect any residents' rights or obligations.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 236: NOTICE FOR MEDICATION ABORTIONS

HB 236 requires health facilities providing mifepristone (a drug used in medication abortions) to post clear notices and provide written information to patients at least 24 hours before the procedure. The notices must state that mifepristone isn't always effective and explain potential options to reverse its effects if the second pill hasn't been taken, along with contact resources. This applies to clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, with fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance. Patients or their minor parents can also sue physicians who violate these notice requirements.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 309: REMOVING UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS FROM PROPERTY

HB 309 creates a streamlined process for property owners to remove individuals unlawfully occupying their residential properties. To use this process, owners or agents must submit a verified complaint form to local law enforcement confirming the occupant entered without permission, isn't a tenant or family member, and has been asked to leave. Law enforcement must then serve a notice to vacate (via hand delivery or posting) and may assist with securing the property while owners change locks. The bill also allows wrongly removed occupants to sue for damages and specifies that the process applies only to trespassers, not to tenants under lease agreements or family members.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 138: HOSPITAL PATIENT SAFETY ACT

HB 138, the Hospital Patient Safety Act, requires all New Mexico hospitals to establish two committees: one focused on nursing staffing (with at least 51% direct care nurses) and another for professional/technical staff. These committees must develop written staffing plans prioritizing patient safety and review them annually using specific data, including missed breaks, overtime hours, and patient outcomes. The bill directly affects hospitals licensed under New Mexico's Public Health Act, mandating concrete changes to how staffing levels are planned and monitored. Key provisions include requiring committees to meet quarterly, maintain transparent minutes, and base staffing decisions on hospital-specific data rather than fixed ratios. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges through collaborative, data-driven planning without prescribing specific nurse-to-patient ratios.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 384: REPEAL FIREARM SALE WAITING PERIOD

HB 384 would repeal New Mexico's existing seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases, directly affecting individuals buying firearms in the state. The bill targets Section 30-7-7.3 NMSA 1978 (enacted in 2024), removing the requirement that retailers wait seven days before transferring a firearm to a buyer. This change would allow immediate firearm sales without the current waiting period. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the legislature on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 461: LEGISLATIVE EQUITY & EXCELLENCE TASK FORCE

SB 461 creates a 4-year task force (2025-2029) to study New Mexico's public education system and address equity gaps. The task force, appointed by the legislative council and including educators, tribal representatives, business leaders, and school administrators, will review the Martinez/Yazzie education lawsuit, study how state/federal funds close achievement gaps, and examine high-performing education systems. It must make findings and recommendations on equitable curriculum access, a diverse teacher workforce, student support services, and collaboration among schools, tribes, and businesses. The bill also establishes a $250,000 fund to cover the task force’s expenses from 2026-2029. This bill directly affects public school students, educators, and school districts across New Mexico.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 142: COUNTY COMMISSION TAX REBATE HEARINGS

HB 142 removes a requirement that New Mexico county commissions hold public hearings before adopting ordinances to implement a property tax rebate program for low-income homeowners. The bill changes existing law so counties can directly adopt such ordinances without prior public hearings, streamlining the process for local governments to offer the rebate. This affects counties that choose to provide the rebate, which currently allows eligible homeowners (with modified gross income under $24,000) to receive a refund of 35%-75% of their property taxes, capped at $350 per return. The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and does not alter the rebate amounts or eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 62: PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER FEES

SB 62 restricts pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to charging only flat, fair-market-value service fees directly tied to their services, banning other fees or financial conflicts. It defines "bona fide service fees" as simple dollar amounts consistent with market value, prohibiting PBMs from earning extra revenue through pharmacy ownership or other arrangements that create conflicts of interest. This directly affects PBMs and pharmacies, as it limits how PBMs can charge for services and requires transparency in fee structures. The bill also classifies violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices under state law, strengthening oversight of PBM billing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 189: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ELIGIBILITY

SB 189, titled "PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ELIGIBILITY," proposed amendments to New Mexico's public assistance application and eligibility process for cash assistance and SNAP benefits. It required departments to process applications faster (e.g., expedited SNAP within 7 days), mandate resource planning sessions within 30 days, and create individual responsibility plans focused on employment goals for applicants. The bill directly affected households applying for state assistance programs, requiring them to develop work plans and comply with participation standards. However, the bill was replaced by a committee substitute and later postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Bill results