HB 80 increases funding for New Mexico's Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund by raising the tax distribution percentage from 2/19% to 50% starting July 2027, gradually increasing to 100% through 2037 before returning to 50% after 2037. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators (through higher tax contributions) and the state's energy department (which administers the fund). Key provisions include expanding fund use to cover energy education programs ($150,000 annually) and requiring the department to plug abandoned wells, restore sites, and pursue cost recovery from operators. Funds will be managed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department with annual reporting requirements.
This bill increases the annual transfer of funds from the New Mexico Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the Acequia and Community Ditch Infrastructure Fund from $2.5 million to $5 million. It directly affects acequia (traditional community irrigation systems) and local ditch infrastructure projects by providing them with doubled annual funding. The key mechanism is an amendment to existing state statute governing fund allocations, while maintaining a separate $1 million annual transfer to the Forest Land Protection Revolving Fund. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and represents a concrete policy shift in water infrastructure funding priorities.
HB 248 authorizes New Mexico to issue $500 million in general obligation bonds to fund capital projects including senior centers statewide, higher education facilities, and public libraries. The bonds would be paid through a new property tax levy on all taxable property in the state, with principal and interest due over a maximum 10-year term. Voter approval via a statewide referendum at the 2026 general election is required before the bonds can be issued. This bill creates a new state debt obligation backed by the full faith and credit of New Mexico, directly affecting taxpayers through the property tax mechanism.
HB 247 limits how New Mexico state agencies can manage capital projects (like construction or equipment purchases) by requiring unspent funds to revert to specific state funds. It prohibits reauthorizing projects more than once or for over two years unless 10% of the initial funds are already committed, and mandates that projects over $100,000 must align with an approved infrastructure plan. Unspent general fund capital appropriations must revert to the Capital Development and Reserve Fund (or Tribal Infrastructure Fund for tribal projects) by specific deadlines, with water projects now requiring state agency grant programs instead of direct legislative funding. The bill updates prior laws (2022-2025) to enforce these reversion timelines and spending rules.
HB 124 creates a New Americans Division within New Mexico's Workforce Solutions Department to support immigrants and refugees in the state's workforce. The division will help with job training, streamline license recognition for internationally trained professionals, and connect businesses with immigrant talent. It must report annually on its activities and refugee resettlement impacts, with an initial report due December 2026. This bill directly affects non-citizen residents and refugee resettlement programs in New Mexico.
This symbolic resolution recognizes 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer in New Mexico, acknowledging the role of approximately 15,000 female farmers and ranchers who represent 41% of the state's agricultural producers according to the 2022 census. It honors their contributions to New Mexico's agricultural sector, which generates nearly $3 billion annually and supports rural communities. The resolution has no binding policy requirements or funding mechanisms, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.
House Memorial 47, introduced by Representatives Romero and Sanchez, requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to examine teacher workload practices in New Mexico. The study will assess how teachers allocate time between instruction and non-instructional duties (like data reporting, assessments, and compliance), and evaluate how state/local requirements impact scheduling. It aims to develop recommendations by December 31, 2026, to support teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes, particularly for students with disabilities, English learners, and those in rural communities. This memorial does not create new law but formally asks the committee to conduct the study.
House Memorial 36 requests the New Mexico Board of Nursing to create a task force addressing the state's nursing shortage crisis. The task force would include representatives from nursing organizations, hospitals, nursing education groups, and high schools, and must identify barriers to nursing education enrollment, program expansion, and nurse retention. It requires the task force to report findings and recommendations to health and finance legislative committees by specific deadlines. This memorial directly affects the Board of Nursing and participating healthcare organizations, aiming to improve nursing workforce planning without creating new laws.
This memorial (HM 31) requests New Mexico's Health Care Authority to reevaluate its rule limiting home health agencies to serving patients within 100 miles of their licensed location. The current rule creates barriers for rural, frontier, and tribal communities - especially those facing geographic isolation and workforce shortages - by restricting agency service areas. The memorial asks the Authority to align home health service rules with existing personal care services policies, which allow broader service areas, to improve access to medically necessary home care. It specifically prioritizes communities impacted by radiation exposure (e.g., uranium miners) and those on Navajo Nation lands. As a memorial, it does not change law but urges regulatory review to address access gaps.
This bill (HM 50) is a symbolic resolution declaring February 4, 2026, as "Lincoln County Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. It formally recognizes Lincoln County's historical significance, including the Lincoln County War, Smokey Bear's origins, outdoor recreation economy, and cultural landmarks like Ruidoso Downs racetrack. The resolution honors the county's heritage, tourism, agriculture, and community resilience without creating new laws or allocating funds. It directly affects the House of Representatives by establishing this day of recognition and requires sending a copy to the Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners. The bill passed the House on February 19, 2026, but is a non-binding ceremonial gesture.
House Memorial 59 requests the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department to study fair compensation for foster parents, including a cost-of-living allowance. The study will examine personal expenses foster parents incur while caring for children in state custody and determine appropriate compensation levels. The department must report findings and recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee by November 30, 2026. This memorial does not change current compensation but initiates a formal review process.
This House Memorial (HM 66) requests the New Mexico Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of implementing a border crossing fee at the Santa Teresa port of entry. The study would examine legal authority, impacts on trade competitiveness, potential fee structures, economic effects on the Santa Teresa region, and infrastructure needs for the next 20 years. It does not propose a fee but seeks a report evaluating whether such a fee could fund infrastructure improvements for this major international trade corridor. The study must include input from local governments, stakeholders, and federal agencies before a November 2026 deadline.
