SB 35 creates an additional judgeship in New Mexico's First Judicial District, increasing the number of district judges from ten to eleven. The bill appropriates $451,400 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2027 to cover the new position's costs, including the judge's salary, benefits, and office equipment. Unspent funds at year-end will revert to the general fund. This change directly affects the First Judicial District court system by expanding its judicial capacity to handle caseloads.
SB 172 extends New Mexico's Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit, allowing national laboratories operating in the state to claim tax credits for costs incurred while helping registered New Mexico businesses mature technologies developed at those labs. The credit covers qualified expenses like lab staff salaries, travel, and supplies, up to $150,000 per business annually and with annual limits per laboratory (starting at $2 million in 2026-2027 and rising to $5 million by 2029). To qualify, businesses must be registered in New Mexico and have licensed technology from the lab or participate in a cooperative research agreement with it. National laboratories must submit annual reports detailing program activities, business progress, and economic impact studies to the state tax department.
SB 240 authorizes New Mexico to issue bonds funded by severance taxes (taxes on oil, gas, and mineral extraction) to finance state capital projects like building construction, vehicle purchases, and equipment. It requires state agencies to certify their need for funds by the end of 2028 and to spend at least 5% of the bond proceeds within six months and 85% within three years of receiving the money. Unspent funds must be returned to the state treasury by 2030 or within six months of project completion, whichever comes first, preventing long-term budgeting of unused funds. This ensures timely project spending while holding agencies accountable for efficient use of bond proceeds.
HB 80 increases funding for New Mexico's Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund by raising the tax distribution percentage from 2/19% to 50% starting July 2027, gradually increasing to 100% through 2037 before returning to 50% after 2037. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators (through higher tax contributions) and the state's energy department (which administers the fund). Key provisions include expanding fund use to cover energy education programs ($150,000 annually) and requiring the department to plug abandoned wells, restore sites, and pursue cost recovery from operators. Funds will be managed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department with annual reporting requirements.
HB 248 authorizes New Mexico to issue $500 million in general obligation bonds to fund capital projects including senior centers statewide, higher education facilities, and public libraries. The bonds would be paid through a new property tax levy on all taxable property in the state, with principal and interest due over a maximum 10-year term. Voter approval via a statewide referendum at the 2026 general election is required before the bonds can be issued. This bill creates a new state debt obligation backed by the full faith and credit of New Mexico, directly affecting taxpayers through the property tax mechanism.
HB 247 limits how New Mexico state agencies can manage capital projects (like construction or equipment purchases) by requiring unspent funds to revert to specific state funds. It prohibits reauthorizing projects more than once or for over two years unless 10% of the initial funds are already committed, and mandates that projects over $100,000 must align with an approved infrastructure plan. Unspent general fund capital appropriations must revert to the Capital Development and Reserve Fund (or Tribal Infrastructure Fund for tribal projects) by specific deadlines, with water projects now requiring state agency grant programs instead of direct legislative funding. The bill updates prior laws (2022-2025) to enforce these reversion timelines and spending rules.
HB 8 creates a $300 million Higher Education Major Projects Fund in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by a transfer from the general fund. The bill allows state universities and community colleges to use these funds for major construction projects, including research facilities costing $50 million or more, student housing, and student life facilities like recreation centers. It requires institutions to cover 25-50% of project costs through non-state sources (like donations or bonds), with waivers possible if institutions cannot afford matches. Initial priorities include $150 million for a new UNM medical school, $50 million for a NMSU building, and $100 million for student housing statewide.
SB 152 establishes a new Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program in New Mexico, replacing the previous "Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act." The program directly affects low-income residents who qualify for telecom service assistance, waiving specific fees including the 911 emergency surcharge and telecommunications relay service surcharge. Key provisions include restructuring the existing broadband program, setting budget caps for the state rural universal service fund, and requiring regular reporting on program administration. The bill repeals the outdated Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act to streamline eligibility and funding under the new framework.
HB 95 creates a new judgeship in New Mexico's Second Judicial District, increasing the number of district judges from thirty to thirty-one. The bill appropriates $451,400 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to cover the judge's salary, benefits, and necessary office equipment and supplies. This funding is specifically for the new position within the Second Judicial District court system. The bill directly affects the administrative capacity and staffing of that district's courts.
HB 158 requires state agencies receiving funds from the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust to submit detailed accountability and evaluation plans for their programs. These plans must outline goals, evidence-based practices, performance measures, evaluation methods, and public reporting timelines. Agencies must submit initial plans by July 1 each year after funding is approved, with potential revisions by September 1, and final evaluations by July 15 of the program’s last funding year. The bill aims to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes for public spending from this specific trust fund.
