HB 309 amends New Mexico's property tax code to explicitly include energy storage systems in the special valuation method for electric utilities. It defines "storage" as technology that converts, stores, and returns electricity to balance supply and demand, ensuring these systems are treated like generation and transmission assets for tax purposes. This directly affects utility companies owning energy storage equipment, requiring them to be valued under the same tax rules. The bill changes how such property is assessed but does not alter tax rates or create new financial obligations. The update applies to property tax years beginning January 1, 2027.
This bill makes all documents and records related to student athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation confidential. It requires colleges to keep these records private from public inspection, except when disclosure is required for regulatory compliance. The law directly affects student athletes, universities, and third-party sponsors who provide NIL payments. It ensures payment details aren't publicly accessible while allowing necessary oversight by authorities.
This House Memorial (HM 64) is a non-binding request urging New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department to build capacity for providing technical assistance to the state's Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos. It specifically asks the department to prepare for more efficient support regarding capital outlay projects - funded from the general state budget - amid pending legislative changes to the capital outlay process. The memorial does not change policy but formally encourages the department to strengthen its ability to help tribal entities access and manage these funds. (Note: As a memorial, it has no legal force but expresses legislative intent.)
SB 246 requires massage therapy establishments in New Mexico to obtain a license, defining such establishments as facilities offering massage therapy services (excluding hospitals, clinics, or offices run by licensed medical professionals). The bill adds a requirement for these licensed establishments to display their license with a current photo in a visible location. It also updates definitions related to continuing education for massage therapists and mandates photo identification on all new or renewed licenses issued after July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects massage therapy businesses operating as standalone establishments, not those within larger healthcare facilities.
Senate Memorial 28 requests the Crime Victims Reparation Commission to create a statewide task force to study gun violence in New Mexico and develop recommendations. The task force would include representatives from state departments (like Public Safety and Health), tribal entities, law enforcement, health professionals, community groups, and gun advocates to examine root causes, review gun laws, promote education, and identify evidence-based prevention strategies. It must report findings to legislative committees and the governor by the end of the session. The bill does not enact new laws but initiates a study process to address New Mexico’s high gun violence rates and associated costs.
House Memorial 60 (HM 60) requests New Mexico's Energy Conservation Division to form a study group to explore how buildings can become flexible grid assets through electrification. The study group, including utilities, contractors, consumer advocates, and low-income community representatives, will develop recommendations by November 2026 on programs that lower energy bills, reduce grid strain, and improve affordability. Key focus areas include financing for electric appliances, consumer protections, equitable access for underserved communities, and aligning building technologies with utility planning. The resulting recommendations could shape future energy programs affecting New Mexico residents and businesses using demand flexibility programs.
House Memorial 65 requests New Mexico's Department of Health and Public Safety to create a task force focused on researching firearm safety policies to reduce gun violence in the state. The task force will examine specific areas like firearm licensing, magazine restrictions, and links between alcohol misuse and gun violence, including policies for prohibiting firearm access based on prior offenses. It will include health officials, law enforcement, schools, community groups, and tribal representatives, and must submit findings to lawmakers by September 2026. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) seeking research and recommendations, not implementing new policies.
HB 304 would provide monthly cash payments to New Mexico parents whose children are not enrolled in state-funded child care or pre-K programs. Parents would receive $2,500 monthly for infants (0-24 months), $1,975 for toddlers (24-36 months), and $1,375 for preschoolers (3-5 years), based on submitted documentation verifying the child's age, parent-child relationship, residency, and non-enrollment in state programs. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department must process applications within 60 days and issue payments upon approval, with fraud prevention measures for false documentation. This direct financial support targets families with young children not accessing existing state early education services.
This Senate Memorial (SM 26) requests the New Mexico Senate formally support utilities participating in **voluntary energy markets** as a step toward regional grid coordination. It directly affects New Mexico's electricity utilities and their customers by encouraging participation in regional energy markets to improve grid reliability and potentially lower costs. The key mechanism is the Senate’s endorsement of this approach under Public Regulation Commission oversight, aiming to advance state energy transition goals while maintaining transparency and accountability. (Note: This is a non-binding memorial, not a bill.)
SB 274 is a legislative bill introduced in the New Mexico Senate in 2026 that addresses public peace, health, safety, and welfare. The bill was referred to Senate committees, declared germane, and then replaced with a committee substitute before its action was postponed indefinitely. As a procedural measure currently under review, it does not yet contain specific policy provisions or direct impacts on the public. The bill remains in the committee stage with no enacted changes at this time.
HB 287 redesignates the Health and Human Services Committee as a permanent body with 12 members (up from 8), requiring balanced party representation from both legislative chambers. It mandates year-round staff with expertise in health, human services, and policy, and grants the committee subpoena power to compel testimony or documents from state agencies, contractors, and entities receiving state funding. The bill also modifies reporting rules, requiring agencies to provide requested information to legislators and file reports with the legislative council service. This changes how the committee operates, affecting state agencies, contractors, and the legislature's oversight capacity.
SB 312 eliminates a legal protection that previously prevented motorcycle riders (and passengers under 18) from being considered negligent for not wearing a helmet. The bill amends New Mexico law to remove the provision stating that "failure to wear a safety helmet shall not constitute contributory negligence," meaning riders who don't wear helmets could now be held partially responsible in accident lawsuits. It also repeals two existing sections (32A-24-5 and 66-3-1010.4) that contained similar protections. This change directly affects motorcycle operators and passengers under 18, who must still wear helmets under the law, but now face potential legal consequences for non-compliance.
