REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN LEGISLATORS

SB 135 would amend New Mexico's reimbursement rules to allow state legislators who are not running for re-election (and thus not on a primary or general election ballot) to receive reimbursement for out-of-state travel related to legislative duties. Currently, such reimbursement is denied to legislators who haven't filed for re-election or were defeated in an election, but this bill creates an exception requiring approval by a three-fourths vote of the legislative council. The key mechanism mandates this council approval before reimbursement can be issued for eligible travel. This directly affects legislators who are term-limited or choosing not to seek re-election, ensuring they can travel for legislative business without losing reimbursement eligibility.