New Mexico Bills

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SM 10: PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL CRIMES

This Senate Memorial (SM 10) is a non-binding request urging the U.S. government, New Mexico, and Native American tribes to take action on sexual violence. It cites statistics showing children and Native Americans face disproportionate risks of sexual assault, with over 464,000 annual victims in the U.S., and calls for protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The memorial specifically requests collaborative efforts to address reporting barriers, remove unjust statutes of limitations for sexual violence cases, and provide resources for victims. As a memorial - not a bill - it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal appeal to relevant entities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 94: MAXIMUM CLASS LOADS

HB 94 sets maximum class sizes for kindergarten through third grade in New Mexico public schools. School districts must include specific class load data in their annual budget plans and obtain special approval for temporary waivers exceeding these limits. The bill requires districts to report how funds are used to maintain these class size requirements, including details on instructional staffing and resource allocation. It directly affects K-3 public school districts and their budget planning processes.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 405: VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER SVC. & TRAINING

HB 405, the "Volunteer Firefighter Service and Training Job Retention Act," requires New Mexico employers to provide eligible volunteer firefighters with up to 112 hours annually for training (with 30 days' notice) and for emergency service calls (with notification and documentation). It directly affects employees who volunteer at state-certified fire departments, ensuring they can attend training or respond to emergencies without losing job protections. The law prohibits employers from terminating, demoting, or reducing leave/seniority accruals for using these leave days. Currently, the bill was passed by the House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025, delaying its effective date of July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SM 23: TAOS WATER IMPOUNDMENT STUDY

This memorial requests the State Engineer to study building an earthen water storage site in Taos County for wildfire suppression and structure protection, including cost analysis and water rights requirements. It directly affects Taos County, tribal communities (Pueblo of Taos and Pueblo of Picuris), and emergency responders who would use the water during fires. The study would evaluate feasibility and costs, but the request was postponed indefinitely in June 2025. (Note: This is a procedural memorial, not a bill authorizing construction.)

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 267: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS SUPERVISING OTHERS

HB 267 allows experienced physician assistants (with three or more years of clinical practice) to supervise newly licensed physician assistants, rather than requiring supervision only by licensed physicians. This change directly affects new PAs seeking supervision and experienced PAs who may qualify to oversee them. The bill amends New Mexico’s Physician Assistant Act to establish a board-approved process for experienced PAs to supervise new PAs, as specified in Section 3 of the amended law. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and did not become law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 525: PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE

Based solely on the provided context, SB 525 has no substantive policy details available. The bill's title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") and sponsor (Mimi Stewart) are listed, but the bill text contains no specific provisions or mechanisms. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 20, 2025, and its progress was indefinitely postponed on June 3, 2025. Without access to the actual bill text or summary describing its policy content, a factual summary of its provisions or affected parties cannot be provided.

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 164: INCREASE RETIREE COLA

HB 164 would increase cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for certain retired public employees in New Mexico. It provides a fixed 2% annual COLA for state retirees over 65 who retired before June 30, 2025, and a 2.5% annual COLA for retirees with 25+ years of service and disability retirees, effective July 1, 2025. The bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to cover the 2% increase, with unspent funds carried forward to future years. This replaces the previous formula-based COLA calculation for these groups, guaranteeing a higher minimum increase than the prior system allowed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 298: 10-YEAR EXEMPT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS FROM TAX

SB 298 exempts specific licensed health care practitioners in New Mexico from state income tax on income earned from providing health care services within the state. The bill applies to 9 professions, including chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, physicians, and physical therapists, who must practice full-time in New Mexico. The exemption covers taxable years ending before January 1, 2035 (effectively 2025-2034). It does not create new taxes but removes an existing tax liability for qualifying professionals.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HB 266: SUPERVISION OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

HB 266 eliminates a requirement that physician assistants (PAs) in New Mexico must maintain a formal supervising or collaborating relationship with a licensed physician to practice. This change directly affects PAs by allowing them to practice independently after initial licensure, removing the need for ongoing physician oversight. The bill amends Section 61-6C-3 of the state law to state that PAs "may practice independently" without supervision, while keeping other requirements like biennial certification and fees intact. The key mechanism is the repeal of the supervision mandate, shifting PAs toward greater autonomy within their scope of practice.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SJR 5: CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

New Mexico's Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5) requests Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution seeks to propose amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, limit the federal government's power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This application, formally submitted by New Mexico's legislature, remains active until two-thirds of states apply for the same purpose. The bill directly affects the federal legislative process by initiating a state-level application for constitutional change, though it does not alter current laws or directly impact New Mexico residents.

in committee · New Mexico · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SM 12: INCREASE PAY FOR MEDICAL SPECIALTY PROVIDERS

Senate Memorial 12 is a non-binding request asking the Legislative Finance Committee to study options for increasing pay for medical specialty providers in New Mexico. It cites challenges like low Medicaid reimbursement rates (60-70% of Medicare rates for procedures), high reliance on government insurance (only 25% of billing from commercial markets), and long patient wait times (6-18 months for specialists). The memorial specifically requests $200,000 to fund a contractor for the study, aiming to identify ways to make New Mexico competitive in recruiting and retaining these providers. This resolution does not change current pay rates but seeks to inform future legislative action on provider compensation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Mexico · House Jun 3, 2025

HJR 17: TERMINATION OF DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY, CA

HJR 17 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit New Mexico governors' emergency powers. It would require any state of emergency declaration issued by the governor to automatically end after 90 days unless the legislature passes a joint resolution extending it with a three-fifths vote in both chambers. The bill also gives the legislature authority to call itself into session to extend, modify, or terminate emergency declarations. This change would directly affect governors' emergency authority and the legislature's role in overseeing prolonged emergencies. The amendment must be approved by voters after legislative passage, as it amends the state constitution.

Bill results