2025 NM Legislative Session

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Bill 459 remains our state's last opportunity during this legislative session to protect women's sports in state law. A similar measure (House Bill 185) was introduced by Republicans in the House of Representatives and unfortunately was tabled on a party line vote by Democrats in the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. It remains a priority for Senate Republicans to protect both the physical safety of women and young girls in sports but also the athletic opportunities these women dedicate their lives pursuing.

Senator Nicole Tobiassen, (R-Albuquerque) the proud sponsor of SB 459, has provided the following statement in anticipation of the bill's first committee hearing in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee:

Santa Fe, NM —This afternoon, Senate Republicans strongly opposed Senate Bill 48 through hours of debate on the bill's final passage in the Senate Chamber. The "Community Benefit Fund" appropriates $340 Million of taxpayer funds for the implementation of numerous environmental initiatives across the state. The eligible projects target our state's vital oil and gas industry.

In response, Senate Republicans proposed several amendments for consideration that would have adjusted the bill to:

Bills would help prevent gun violence & increase penalty for aggravated battery on a peace officer

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to make it easier for law enforcement to temporarily suspend access to firearms for those deemed a threat to themselves or others by a vote of 41-27.

House Bill 12 would make New Mexico's existing Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order, or "Red Flag Law," easier to navigate for both law enforcement and individuals so that it can be more effectively enforced.

"New Mexico's red flag law is already saving lives by keeping deadly weapons out of the hands of those who are a significant risk to themselves or the people around them," said sponsor Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque). "Today, we are making the changes that law enforcement officers have asked for to make the process more efficient and effective, so we can save even more lives."

Santa Fe, N.M. – Legislation to help reduce utility costs for New Mexicans is now headed to the Senate after passing the House today by a vote of 42-25.

House Bill 91 allows public utilities in the state to implement additional rate structures intended to reduce utility costs for low-income customers. These rate changes could decrease or eliminate balances for customers and allow for them to pay lower amounts more frequently.

Budget focuses on delivering immediate impact for New Mexicans now, while seeding responsible growth and long-term savings

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed House Bill 2: the General Appropriations Act, with broad bipartisan support, by a vote of 50-18. The House's proposed state budget for fiscal year 2026 totals $10.8 billion, up 5.8% from last year, while maintaining responsible 31.2% reserves.

Key areas of focus in this year's budget include improving public safety, addressing rising costs of living for New Mexicans, supporting cradle-to-career education, creating jobs, and protecting the environment.

"Through an open, transparent, and collaborative process, we built a budget that will have immediate impacts for New Mexicans and set us up for continued sustainable growth in the long run," said House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC) Chair Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), sponsor of HB 2. "The broad bipartisan support for this budget reflects the strength of our process and our approach to meeting New Mexicans' needs today while continuing to save for our future."

Santa Fe, NM — Today, the Senate Education Committee was presented with Senate Bill 286, the "Education Freedom Account Act." This proposal, sponsored by all sixteen Republican Senators, would have granted underprivileged students the opportunity to attend an educational institution that would best suit their needs. (Eligibility would have been available to students in households with incomes at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Rates or roughly $60,000 annually for a family of four.)

Unfortunately, the Democrat committee members unanimously voted to table this measure.

Primary sponsor and former school board member, Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) has issued the following statement:

Bill to make homes safer from wildfire advances to the House of Representatives

SANTA FE – Senate Bill 33, establishing grant programs to help New Mexicans fortify their properties to better withstand wildfires, passed the State Senate today on a unanimous vote.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Stefanics and Rep. Harlan Vincent, now moves to the House of Representatives.

The measure creates grant programs to help both local governments and private citizens fortify properties to better withstand wildfires. It also expands an existing Fire Planning Task Force and charges it with developing guidelines for certifying properties as "wildfire prepared."

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the legislature gave its final approval on key legislation that will improve community safety and expand access to behavioral healthcare throughout New Mexico. House Bill 8, an integrated public safety package, and Senate Bill 3, a framework to vastly expand access to behavioral healthcare statewide, will now head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

In the final legislative step for these bills today, the House voted to concur with Senate amendments to HB 8 and the Senate voted to concur with House amendments to SB 3.