HB 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, prohibits New Mexico state and local government entities - including sheriffs' departments, schools, and public agencies - from entering into agreements or using public property to detain individuals for federal immigration enforcement. It requires existing agreements facilitating such detentions to be terminated upon the law's effective date. The bill specifically bans public bodies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detention and ensures local policies align with these restrictions. Currently passed by both legislative chambers, it awaits the governor's signature to become law.
SB 2 increases funding for New Mexico's highway projects by raising fees on vehicle registrations and commercial truck taxes. It raises weight-distance tax rates for commercial trucks (affecting freight companies), increases standard passenger vehicle registration fees, and adds new annual fees for electric vehicles ($70-$90) and plug-in hybrids ($35-$45) starting in 2027. All new revenue from these changes goes directly to the State Road Fund to support highway improvements. The bill specifically targets commercial truck operators, all vehicle owners, and electric vehicle owners, with fee amounts varying by vehicle type and registration year.
SB 19 adjusts New Mexico's public school funding calculation for fiscal year 2026 by resetting the "unit value" used to determine state education funding. It requires the Secretary of Public Education to adjust this value by February 27, 2026, based on statewide unit counts after consulting with finance departments and legislative committees. This change directly affects all public schools in New Mexico by altering the formula for calculating their state funding allocation for that fiscal year. The bill is a temporary adjustment for FY2026, not a permanent change to the school finance system.
HB 1, titled "FEED BILL," is a procedural appropriations bill that funds the operational expenses of the New Mexico Legislature for its 2026 second session. It allocates $7.24 million for member per diems, salaries, mileage, printing, and other legislative costs (including $13.2 million for district staff support), and $12.8 million for the Legislative Council Service. The bill does not create new policies or affect citizens; it solely provides funding for the legislature’s internal operations. (Note: "FEED BILL" appears to be a misnomer for this appropriations measure.)
This bill allocates funds for New Mexico's 2025 special legislative session and fiscal year 2026 operations. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, with unspent balances reverting to state funds. Major allocations include $1 million for court behavioral health pilots, $5.56 million for educational TV/radio, and $17.3 million for Medicaid premium assistance (pending House Bill 2). All funds must be spent by 2027 or return to state reserves.
SB 3 requires New Mexico schools and childcare programs to follow immunization rules based on recommendations from the state health department or the American Academy of Pediatrics. It also mandates that adult immunization guidelines align with specific medical associations' guidance. The bill prohibits health insurance plans from charging copays or deductibles for vaccines recommended by the health department and ensures state-purchased vaccines meet those standards. This affects children in schools/childcare, adults seeking immunizations, and health insurers. The bill was declared an emergency to expedite implementation.
HB 1 is a funding bill that allocates money from New Mexico's general fund for the 2025 special legislative session and specific state programs. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, plus $1 million for court behavioral health programs, $5.56 million for public broadcasting, and $30 million for food assistance programs like SNAP benefits and food banks. The bill also funds $450,000 for New Mexico State University and $7.88 million to cover operational shortfalls for the Regulation and Licensing Department. Unspent funds for most programs must revert to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2027, ensuring accountability.
HB 2 creates a state Health Care Affordability Fund to lower health insurance costs for New Mexicans. It provides premium subsidies for residents purchasing coverage through New Mexico's health insurance exchange (with priority for those earning under 200% of the federal poverty level) and for small businesses. The fund also covers part of premiums for state employees earning $50,000 or less and New Mexico National Guard members. If federal health care laws change to reduce coverage, the fund can maintain access to affordable plans for low-income residents.
SB 2 (Criminal Competency) updates New Mexico law to clarify which court handles cases where a defendant's ability to stand trial is questioned. If a metropolitan court (a local court handling less serious cases) determines a defendant is not competent to stand trial, the case must be transferred to a district court - New Mexico’s higher trial court - instead of remaining in the metropolitan court. This change ensures that competency determinations and subsequent proceedings occur in courts with the authority to manage complex legal processes. The bill applies directly to defendants in criminal cases where competency is raised and aims to streamline court handling of such cases. It was passed quickly as an emergency measure in October 2025.
SB 1 creates a $50 million fund to provide grants to rural health care providers and facilities in high-need areas, specifically targeting those serving Medicaid patients in counties with under 100,000 residents or designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. The bill allows grants to cover operating losses for existing services at risk of closure or reduction, not for new facilities or construction. Providers must be Medicaid-licensed, demonstrate verified financial need, and commit to continued service during the grant period. The fund is nonreverting, meaning unspent money carries forward, and the bill takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.
House Memorial 29 requests the Health and Human Services Committee to review New Mexico's current rules requiring drivers with diabetes to submit annual physician reports about ketosis (a common metabolic state, not the serious condition ketoacidosis) for license renewal. The memorial argues these rules are unnecessarily burdensome, especially in rural areas, and asks the committee to assess whether current medical science supports less onerous requirements while maintaining driver safety. If the committee finds changes are warranted, it would develop new legislation based on its findings. This memorial does not change existing rules but directs a review to potentially simplify the process for drivers with diabetes.
House Memorial 57 requests a study group to address a retirement benefit disadvantage affecting New Mexico law enforcement academy instructors. The memorial highlights that instructors must switch from a 20-year retirement plan (available to municipal officers) to a 25-year plan at the academy, creating a significant barrier to recruitment and retention. This gap leaves the academy only 40% staffed for instructor roles, despite needing qualified candidates with law enforcement experience. The study group - comprising representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the academy, and the state retirement system - will develop recommendations for the legislative committee by September 2025.
