Rep. Matthew McQueen

Maddy summarySB 5 reforms New Mexico's wildlife management structure by renaming the State Game Commission to the State Wildlife Commission and the Department of Game and Fish to the Department of Wildlife. It establishes a new nominating committee for appointments, sets specific qualifications for commissioners (including a rancher, conservationist, hunter/angler, and scientist), and limits commissioners to two terms after 2027. The bill also requires fee adjustments for licenses to account for inflation and provides discounts for residents receiving SNAP benefits. These changes aim to modernize wildlife management governance while expanding conservation-focused representation.