2025 NM Legislative Session

Legislation would help prevent gun violence by keeping firearms
out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others

Santa Fe, N.M. – Legislation to enhance New Mexico's "Red Flag Law" is now headed to the House Floor, after passing the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) by a vote of 7 to 4 vote today.

House Bill 12 would make it easier for law enforcement to use the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Orders to temporarily suspend access to firearms for those deemed a threat to themselves or others. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), and Senators Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque). It would make the process easier to navigate for both law enforcement and individuals so that it can be more effectively enforced.

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republicans have unanimously endorsed a proposal introduced by former school board member Senator Craig Brandt, (R-Rio Rancho) that would expand educational opportunities for underprivileged students. Specifically, this proposal seeks to empower at-risk students to select an educational institution that best meets their needs. Eligibility would be extended only to students in low-income households (with incomes at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Rates or roughly $60,000 annually for a family of four).

Senator Brandt has issued the following accompanying statement:

SILVER CITY, NM—WNMU is requesting $8 million of capital outlay funding for construction of a new home for the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, which is dedicated to educating and training New Mexico's early childhood educators.

The new facility will be built on university-owned land off of N. Alabama St., behind the St. Mary's Academy building in Silver City. The first phase of construction was funded with 2023 outlay from the Legislature and through the 2024 General Obligation Bond. The additional funding requested of the Legislature would allow expansion of pre-K programs and student services.

SANTA FE – This week, the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will present its budget priorities before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.  

“New Mexico seniors and adults deserve the highest quality of care and support,” said Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate. “This budget reaffirms our commitment to older and disabled adults, as well as their caregivers, by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence.” 

ALTSD’s budget within the executive recommendation includes several strategic investments aimed at meeting the growing needs of New Mexico’s aging population. These key priorities include: 

Legislation prevents employers from deducting credit card processing fees from employees' tips

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Labor, Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 22, which would amend the Minimum Wage Act to close a loophole that allows for credit card fees to be deducted from tipped income.

House Bill 22 prohibits employers from deducting credit card processing fees from the amount of tips paid to service employees. This means that when a customer tips by credit card, the employer must pay the employee the full amount of the tip.

SANTA FE – Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) today announced that Senate Bill 51 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee.
The hearing will take place today, February 4th, at 1:30 PM in Room 321.

The public is invited to attend the hearing. For those wishing to participate virtually via Zoom, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for access information.

The bill seeks to close telecommunication infrastructure gaps in Southern New Mexico, particularly along the U.S. - Mexico Border.

Read the full bill here: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=B&legNo=51&year=25

Legislation cracks down on illegal activity within the state's recreational cannabis market

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 10, which enhances regulatory authority over the state's recreational cannabis industry.

House Bill 10 would establish an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) at the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to investigate potential criminal violations of New Mexico's cannabis laws.

The authority granted to CCD agents under this legislation includes the ability to: undertake lawful searches of cannabis facilities, confiscate suspicious products, pursue legal orders to destroy illegal products, and arrest those found to be in violation of the state's cannabis laws.

Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republicans strongly support protecting the safety and welfare of all citizens of New Mexico. We support the enforcement of federal law to apprehend and remove violent offenders who are in our country illegally. We are alarmed by concerns being raised by our Native American citizens that they either have been or could be wrongfully targeted by these efforts. In order to protect our citizens from this unintended consequence, we have established an email tip-line for citizens to submit two types of critical concerns:

any instances of unfounded action by federal officials against U.S. citizens or legal residents within New Mexico; and the presence in any New Mexico community of violent illegal offenders attempting to evade capture by federal officials. The email address is immediately available to all concerned New Mexicans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..