SB 434 requires New Mexico public schools to identify students with math or reading deficiencies based on statewide assessment scores in the lowest proficiency level. Schools must notify parents within 30 days of identification and provide individualized accelerated instruction - delivered by trained staff at least three times weekly in 30-minute sessions - within 30 days of identification. The bill mandates high-quality, aligned materials and requires schools to share detailed instruction plans and biweekly progress reports with parents. This directly affects students in New Mexico public schools scoring below proficiency in math or reading, focusing on targeted academic support.
HB 103 increases penalties for aggravated battery against peace officers by reclassifying the most severe cases - from third-degree to second-degree felonies. This applies when battery causes great bodily harm, involves a deadly weapon, or could cause great bodily harm or death. The bill does not change penalties for less severe battery offenses (which remain fourth-degree felonies). It was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, but its progress was postponed indefinitely in the Senate.
HB 371 allows local and county governments in New Mexico to authorize off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) like ATVs to operate on paved streets and highways within their boundaries, subject to specific safety requirements. It mandates that authorized OHVs must have headlights, taillights, brakes, mirrors, mufflers, valid operator licenses, insurance, eye protection, and helmets for minors under 18. Local authorities may also set separate speed limits and operating restrictions for these vehicles. The bill does not require authorization but provides a framework for communities to permit OHV use on public roads while maintaining safety standards.
HJM 4 is a Joint Memorial requesting the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to study direct air capture (DAC) technology's benefits, costs, and potential for industry development in New Mexico. The study would evaluate how to facilitate DAC through statutory and regulatory changes, focusing on economic opportunities like job creation and climate action. It does not create new law but asks the institute to report recommendations to the legislature by 2026. This procedural request aims to support DAC development using New Mexico's geologic and resource advantages.
HB 49, the Closed Captioning Act, requires most public venues in New Mexico - including restaurants, stores, theaters, and hotels - to display closed captions (text showing dialogue) on TVs during regular business hours. It applies to any "place of public accommodation" where TVs are shown to the public, excluding only small operations like single-room rentals. Venues must enable captions unless TVs can’t display them or federal law exempts the program. The Attorney General enforces the law through public complaints and can impose fines up to $250 for first violations, increasing to $500 for repeat offenses.
HB 67 defines "reasonable assurance" for higher education employees to prevent denial of unemployment benefits during academic breaks. It affects faculty and staff at New Mexico educational institutions who have a clear expectation of returning to similar or higher-level roles after summer or semester breaks. The bill clarifies that benefits cannot be denied if an employee has a written, oral, or implied offer of continued employment for the next academic term, based on historical reemployment patterns and reasonable anticipation of availability. The bill passed the House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025.
SB 426 repeals an outdated 1971 law (Section 22-14-20 NMSA 1978) that established the New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped. It transfers the school's responsibilities to the Blind Administrative Unit within the Department of Education's Vocational Rehabilitation Division. This change eliminates an obsolete agency structure and consolidates services for visually impaired individuals under a current administrative unit. The bill aimed to modernize how the state manages these educational services but was postponed indefinitely in the House.
SB 259 amends New Mexico's Charitable Solicitations Act to impose new requirements on professional fundraisers and third-party solicitors who raise money for charities. It directly affects individuals or companies paid to solicit donations or sell nonperishable goods for charitable organizations (excluding religious groups). Key provisions require these entities to register with the Attorney General ($200 fee), post a $25,000 surety bond, and submit detailed contracts outlining compensation, solicitation methods, locations, and materials before working with charities. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in fundraising activities.
HB 79, the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact," would allow licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice across state lines in participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It creates a "compact privilege" enabling practitioners to serve patients in other member states while maintaining their home state license, directly affecting healthcare providers and patients seeking these services. Key mechanisms include mutual recognition of licenses, enhanced oversight for disciplinary actions, support for military spouses relocating, and integration of telehealth for remote care. The bill preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety through existing licensing systems. It does not change current state licensure requirements but streamlines access for providers and patients in participating states.
HB 297 creates a new computer science licensure endorsement for New Mexico teachers, requiring specific qualifications to teach computer science at any grade level. Teachers seeking this endorsement must meet one of six pathways: 15 college credits in computer science, passing a certification exam, having two years of industry work experience with verification, holding an industry certification, completing 60 hours of relevant professional development, or demonstrating three years of teaching experience. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for teacher professional development related to this endorsement, to be spent in fiscal years 2026-2027. This directly affects current and aspiring teachers who want to add computer science to their license, particularly those in secondary education. The requirement applies to all grade levels but specifies secondary licensure pathways in the underlying statute.
HB 198 amends New Mexico tax law to increase public access to large installment agreements (from $1,000 to $10,000 threshold), adjust interest rates on unpaid taxes and overpayments, and raise penalties for tax non-compliance. It requires the Taxation and Revenue Department to pay higher minimum interest on overpayments and increases fines for failing to file returns or interfere with tax administration. The bill directly affects taxpayers using installment plans and the Tax Department’s enforcement practices. Key changes include raising the public inspection threshold for agreements, modifying interest calculation rules, and increasing penalties for tax-related violations.
HB 339 bans housing discrimination based on a tenant's "source of income," such as housing vouchers, Social Security, or government assistance programs. It prohibits landlords from rejecting applicants or using unfair income verification methods (like refusing certain types of benefits) as a reason for denial. The law applies directly to housing providers (landlords, rental agencies) and applicants using government assistance, including housing vouchers paid directly to landlords. Enforcement for these specific housing discrimination cases will be handled by the New Mexico Attorney General, not the Human Rights Commission.
