This memorial acknowledges New Mexico residents affected by radiation from the Trinity nuclear test and uranium mining, urging state agencies to help eligible individuals apply for federal compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act before its December 31, 2027 deadline. It directs the departments of Health, Aging and Long-Term Services, Veterans' Services, and Indian Affairs to collaborate with community organizations and tribal governments to provide outreach, education, and application assistance. The focus is on supporting downwinders, uranium workers, and their families - particularly elders, rural residents, and tribal members - who may need help navigating the federal process. It does not create new benefits but aims to increase awareness and access to existing federal compensation.
HB 300 appropriates $300,000 from the state general fund to the northwest New Mexico council of governments for managing horses on tribal land in Cibola County. The funds will cover creating herd management plans, using fertility control on mares, humanely relocating up to 60 free-roaming horses, and providing veterinary clinics for domestic horses (including gelding and vaccinations). The money is allocated for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by the end of 2029. This bill directly affects tribal land horse populations and domestic horse owners in Cibola County by funding specific care and management activities.
SB 218 appropriates $5 million from the state general fund to construct, equip, and furnish a regional emergency operations center in Los Alamos County. The funding must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any unspent balance reverting to the state treasury. This bill directly provides state resources for emergency response infrastructure in Los Alamos County, supporting local preparedness and coordination during crises.
House Memorial 32 requests New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department and Commission on the Status of Women to study the history of forced or coerced sterilizations of Indigenous women and women of color in the state. The study would identify past cases, gather survivor testimony using trauma-informed methods, and assess current reproductive health services. It would lead to recommendations for a state truth commission, public memorial, and new reproductive justice programs. As a memorial (not a binding bill), it seeks to document historical harms and guide future action without implementing new laws.
House Memorial 42 is a non-binding request asking state departments to study how to address potential job losses and community impacts if three New Mexico immigration detention centers (in Cibola, Otero, and Torrance counties) close. It directs the Economic Development Department to study replacing jobs for the 700+ employees at these facilities, the Corrections and Health departments to explore repurposing the buildings for juvenile detention or healthcare, and state programs to assist affected communities. The study results must be submitted to legislative committees by October 1, 2026. This memorial does not change laws or guarantee facility closures - it only requests analyses to prepare for possible future scenarios.
SB 302 eliminates filing fees for children, their families, or individuals filing on a child's behalf in any proceeding under New Mexico's Children's Code. The bill amends court costs statutes to explicitly exclude these parties from paying filing fees or related expenses (Section 32A-1-19). It ensures that children, families, or legal representatives in Children's Code cases (such as custody or delinquency matters) will not face financial barriers to accessing court proceedings. The law directly affects vulnerable minors and their advocates by removing a cost barrier in family court cases.
SB 253 prevents state agencies from adopting new rules that would cost the state money or reduce state revenue without a prior legislative budget allocation for that specific purpose. The bill requires agencies to include a fiscal analysis of the rule's financial impact on state funds in their public notice and to cite a prior legislative appropriation as the legal basis for the rule. This applies to all state agencies proposing new rules under New Mexico's rulemaking process, ensuring new regulations align with existing state budget authority. The law aims to prevent unfunded mandates by requiring fiscal transparency before rule adoption.
SB 208 creates the "Welcome Child Benefit," providing eligible parents or guardians in New Mexico with a $9,000 financial benefit for newborns or newly adopted children. To qualify, applicants must reside in New Mexico for at least six months before the child's birth or adoption and submit required documentation. The benefit consists of three $3,000 monthly payments (or a $9,000 lump sum if applied more than 90 days after birth/adoption) and adjusts annually for inflation starting in 2030. Funding comes from an annual $189 million transfer from the existing Early Childhood Education and Care Fund, beginning in 2028.
SB 22 would amend New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Code to allow automobile manufacturers to be licensed as motor vehicle dealers under specific conditions. This change would directly affect car manufacturers seeking to operate retail dealerships without relying on independent dealers, potentially altering how vehicles are sold in the state. The bill modifies definitions in the law to clarify that manufacturers could qualify as dealers, though it does not specify the exact conditions for this licensing. The policy change focuses on updating licensing rules rather than addressing consumer protections or dealership operations.
This memorial requests New Mexico's Energy Department to form a working group to design a pilot project installing portable solar devices (which plug directly into wall outlets) in 5-10 low-income households. The project will measure monthly energy cost savings for participants and assess impacts on local power grids. The working group must include utilities and community organizations experienced in serving low-income renters and households. They must report findings to lawmakers by November 2026.
This House Memorial (HM 37) requests New Mexico's Energy Department to study the costs of decommissioning solar and wind energy facilities and recommend financial assurance requirements for their owners. It directly affects solar/wind facility operators (who may need to cover removal and land restoration costs) and taxpayers (who could otherwise bear millions in unplanned expenses if facilities fail early). The study will evaluate decommissioning costs, compare state practices, and propose policies to prevent environmental harm or taxpayer burden. Currently, New Mexico lacks such requirements for renewables, despite a 2025 report warning of potential $974 million in unmet costs. The department must report findings by November 2026.
HB 314 provides zero-interest loans to New Mexico local governments (cities, counties) in Chaves County that received federal disaster funding for repairs after the October 19, 2024 storm. The loans, funded by $150 million from the state general fund, must be repaid within 30 days using the approved federal disaster funds, with failure to repay triggering market interest rates. Political subdivisions must sign reimbursement contracts detailing repayment terms and reporting requirements. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2027-2028, with unused funds reverting to the general fund by 2028. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
