2025 NM Legislative Session

Joint Resolution would allow voters to decide whether to give the state greater oversight of regents at higher education institutions

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to strengthen oversight of regents at the state’s higher education institutions by a 64-1 vote.

House Joint Resolution 12 would clearly detail regents’ responsibilities to the students and institutions they serve and provide the state with authority to take disciplinary actions, including potential removal, of regents who violate their duties. 

“The leaders of our state’s colleges and universities have an obligation to act in good faith and in service of the students, faculty, staff, and the taxpayers who help fund these institutions,” said lead sponsor Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces). “HJR 12 would allow New Mexicans to hold regents accountable for ethically fulfilling their duties, spending funds appropriately, and maintaining the integrity of our higher education system.” 

House Judiciary Committee advanced several pieces of priority legislation to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight, with broad bipartisan support

Santa Fe, N.M. – Several key pieces of legislation to improve oversight, transparency, and accountability at New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) are now headed to the House Floor after passing the House Judiciary Committee with broad support today. 

Uniquely New Mexican family and medical leave plan supports workers and families in times of need, reflects input from communities and local businesses

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act, an updated parental and medical leave proposal, by a vote of 38-31. The amended version of House Bill 11 would provide New Mexicans with job protection and time off when they need it most, while significantly reducing contributions required from both employers and employees.

Bipartisan legislation would launch a pilot program to assist grandparents and other relatives raising the children of a family member

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to launch a three-year pilot program to provide financial support for grandparents or other relatives raising the children of a family member, by a vote of 53-8.

House Bill 252 would create the Kinship Caregiver Support pilot program, which would operate in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, McKinley, and Doña Ana Counties, aiming to assist 50 families in each area. Reports assessing the program's impact and providing recommendations would be submitted to the Legislative Finance Committee annually.

Joint Resolutions would allow voters to decide whether to change the length of New Mexico's legislative sessions and remove pocket vetoes

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, legislation that would allow voters to take steps to modernize the New Mexico State Legislature passed the House of Representatives.

HJR 1, which passed by a vote of 59-4 would update the length of the state's legislative sessions. Rather than alternating between 60 and 30-day sessions, this measure proposes 45-day sessions each year. Under HJR 1, there would be no restriction on the types of bills that could be considered in any given session, and veto overrides could be considered for bills from the previous sessions, including special or extraordinary legislative sessions, within a two-year framework.

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed legislation to improve public safety and behavioral health services across New Mexico, marking the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session with a landmark accomplishment on behalf of New Mexicans.

"These bills represent a significant milestone for both behavioral health services and criminal justice reform in New Mexico," said Gov. Lujan Grisham, who was joined by lawmakers, public safety officials and community members during a bill signing ceremony at the Roundhouse. "By strengthening our criminal justice system and investing in behavioral health, we're taking decisive action to address the root causes of crime while ensuring accountability."

Santa Fe, NM — In an evening Senate floor session, Democrats voted to pass the Senate Judiciary Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 21 and 22. This legislation represents a state takeover of federal water quality permitting processes in New Mexico. Senate Republicans led the charge to amend several of the bills' most troublesome provisions. The adopted floor amendments prevent government overreach on New Mexican citizens, businesses, and local governments. Even with these changes, Republicans remained steadfast in their opposition to this clear attempt to frustrate the current federal administration.

In response to the passage of SB 21 and 22, Senator Candy Ezzell (R- Roswell) has issued the following statement:

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to improve access to federal loan forgiveness for educators in New Mexico.

House Bill 69, sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), would expand access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program within New Mexico. PSLF forgives student loans for individuals who work full-time in public service in federal, state, tribal, or local government for 10 years.