2025 NM Legislative Session

Leadership shares key progress and pledges continued work to make healthcare,
childcare, and everyday necessities more affordable for all New Mexicans

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, New Mexico House Democrats shared updates on recent progress made for working families in the state and discussed new legislation to help make life more affordable for all New Mexicans. While uncertainty looms at the federal level, House Democrats remain committed to ensuring affordable access to necessities like healthcare, groceries, and childcare, and housing.

"Regardless of what happens in Washington, D.C., your state lawmakers have your back," said Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "Taking care of each other is part of who we are as New Mexicans, and we are putting these values into action with policies that actually lower costs for working people and their families."

HB149 set for a House hearing this afternoon

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is urging lawmakers to support House Bill 149 and champion supported-decision making, giving New Mexican adults more choices.

House Bill 149: Supported Decision-Making Act, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Abeyta, Rep. Joanne Ferrary and Rep. Charlotte Little, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Room 309 at the Roundhouse.

 Legislation would prevent gun violence and reduce recidivism by helping people involved in the criminal justice system access behavioral healthcare

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) heard two of House Democrats' key public safety proposals, which will now be considered for inclusion in an integrated crime package.

House Bill 4: Criminal Competency and Treatment would expand options for how our criminal justice system assists individuals suffering from serious mental or behavioral health issues by creating more pathways to get them appropriate levels of treatment. Currently, when someone is deemed not competent to stand trial, their cases are often dismissed. Many of these individuals do not receive any treatment and may re-offend and end up back in the criminal justice system.

Joint Resolution would allow voters to decide whether to create an independent commission to appoint CYFD leadership

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee voted 4-3 to advance House Joint Resolution 5 which would allow voters to shift governance of New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) from the Governor to a new, independent Children, Youth and Families Commission.

HJR 5 proposes an amendment to the state's constitution that would create a new commission to appoint CYFD's secretary and leadership, creating more independence and helping reduce turnover at this critical agency.

Legislation would deter shooting threats and vehicle thefts

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) advanced two more priority policies that will be considered for inclusion in the House Democrats' integrated public safety package.

House Bill 31 would increase the penalty for making a shooting threat toward a school or public to a fourth-degree felony, aligning it with the state's penalty for bomb threats. It is sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Brian Baca (R-Los Lunas), and Andrea Reeb (R-Albuquerque).

"No child should fear going to school. Unfortunately, shooting threats have become all too common. This bill elevates the penalty for shooting threats to reflect the gravity of these crimes and hold offenders accountable," said bill sponsor Rep. Garratt. "Whether an individual is intending to take lives or just cause fear and panic, we are making clear that we will not tolerate threats of violence in schools and public places."

Veteran Tax Exemption Headed to House Floor

Santa Fe, N.M. – Legislation to improve property tax exemptions for military veterans is now headed to the House Floor after unanimously passing the House Taxation and Revenue Committee today.

House Bill 47 would increase the existing property tax exemption of $4,000 up to $10,000 and allow additional exemptions for veterans with service-related disabilities. If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, the increase would go into effect for the 2025 tax year, with the disabled veteran exemptions going into effect the following year.

Expand Eligibility for the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit

Two bipartisan bills have been introduced to make New Mexico's tax policy friendlier for health care workers. Both bills are supported by Think New Mexico, which recommended these reforms in its recent report, How to Solve New Mexico's Health Care Worker Shortage.

Senate Bill 295, which would repeal New Mexico's gross receipts tax on medical services, is sponsored by Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Albuquerque); Senate Minority Leader William Sharer (R-Farmington); and 13 other sponsors.

SANTA FE – Late Tuesday afternoon, Senator Crystal Brantley's (R-Elephant Butte) Senate Bill 51 was advanced by the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill seeks to appropriate $3 million to the Local Government's Division of the Department of Finance to fund the construction of cell/radio towers in Luna, Hidalgo, and Doña Ana Counties.

"If you live or have driven through rural New Mexico, you know the struggle," said Senator Brantley. "Connectivity for daily life can be a struggle, so imagine you are in an emergency with no way to contact emergency services. This is a common-sense measure to improve the lives and safety of all New Mexicans in the borderlands, from our law enforcement officers to our families."

The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.