Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 240: CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECTS

SB 240 authorizes New Mexico to issue bonds funded by severance taxes (taxes on oil, gas, and mineral extraction) to finance state capital projects like building construction, vehicle purchases, and equipment. It requires state agencies to certify their need for funds by the end of 2028 and to spend at least 5% of the bond proceeds within six months and 85% within three years of receiving the money. Unspent funds must be returned to the state treasury by 2030 or within six months of project completion, whichever comes first, preventing long-term budgeting of unused funds. This ensures timely project spending while holding agencies accountable for efficient use of bond proceeds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses severance tax revenue for capital projects with spending deadlines and return of unspent funds, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2: GENERAL APPROPRIATION ACT OF 2026

HB 2, the General Appropriation Act of 2026, allocates funding for New Mexico's state government operations during fiscal year 2027. It directs $55 million from the general fund to legislative agencies and $496 million from the general fund to the judiciary, with additional amounts from other funding sources. The bill requires unspent funds at year-end to automatically return to the general fund by October 1, 2026 and 2027, and establishes accounting rules for tracking revenue and expenditures. This bill affects all state agencies by setting their budget allocations and spending rules for the 2027 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds for operations, mandates unspent funds return to general fund, promoting fiscal responsibility per budget management indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

vetoed · New Mexico · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 153: LOW-CARBON CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL REBATE ACT

HB 153 establishes a state rebate program to incentivize the use of low-carbon construction materials, such as cement, steel, and glass, in eligible projects (over one residential unit or 5,000 square feet of nonresidential space). Material buyers (e.g., developers or contractors) can receive rebates for purchasing materials meeting emissions benchmarks set by the Department of Environment - 15% below industry-average greenhouse gas emissions - verified through independently assessed environmental product declarations. Rebates are capped at $500,000 per project and $10 million statewide annually, with priority given to projects achieving the greatest emissions reductions and using New Mexico-made materials. The program requires annual reporting on emissions reductions and includes strict antifraud measures, including penalties for false claims.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state-funded rebate program requiring government expenditure for low-carbon construction materials, directly allocating budget resources to incentivize industry adoption.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRebates for low-carbon construction materials reduce emissions, advancing energy efficiency and clean infrastructure goals per bill's emissions benchmarks and environmental focus.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes rebates for materials meeting 15% below industry emissions benchmark, directly reducing construction sector GHG emissions through state incentive program.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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signed · New Mexico · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 80: OIL & GAS CONSERVATION TAX ACT CHANGES

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases oil/gas tax rates to fund reclamation and energy education programs, directly boosting state budget allocation for environmental and educational initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases oil/gas operator taxes to fund reclamation, directly addressing environmental cleanup of damaged sites through expanded reclamation fund provisions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 193: ACEQUIA & DITCH INFRASTRUCTURE FUND TRANSFER

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases annual funding allocation for acequia infrastructure from $2.5M to $5M, directly boosting state budget spending on essential public water infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 248: GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes new property tax to fund public infrastructure (libraries, education) via $500M bonds, increasing state debt and taxation to advance public services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds higher education facilities as a specific capital project category, directly advancing educational infrastructure within the topic scope.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 6, 2026

SB 152: LOW-INCOME TELECOMM. ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

SB 152 establishes a new Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program in New Mexico, replacing the previous "Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act." The program directly affects low-income residents who qualify for telecom service assistance, waiving specific fees including the 911 emergency surcharge and telecommunications relay service surcharge. Key provisions include restructuring the existing broadband program, setting budget caps for the state rural universal service fund, and requiring regular reporting on program administration. The bill repeals the outdated Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act to streamline eligibility and funding under the new framework.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesWaives 911 emergency and relay service surcharges for low-income residents, providing direct tax relief per bill's fee waiver provisions.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill waives telecom fees for low-income residents and restructures broadband program to expand internet access and promote digital equity.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 95: ADDITIONAL SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGESHIP

HB 95 creates a new judgeship in New Mexico's Second Judicial District, increasing the number of district judges from thirty to thirty-one. The bill appropriates $451,400 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to cover the judge's salary, benefits, and necessary office equipment and supplies. This funding is specifically for the new position within the Second Judicial District court system. The bill directly affects the administrative capacity and staffing of that district's courts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $451,400 from general fund to fund new judgeship, increasing court staffing and public service budget allocation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 255: PUBLIC SAFETY WORKFORCE BUILDING PROGRAM

HB 255 creates a dedicated state fund to help counties and public safety agencies recruit and retain workers in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public defender offices. The program provides competitive grants for recruitment bonuses, training, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equipment tied to workforce development - *not* for base salaries or new positions. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address local staffing gaps, with priority given to areas with high vacancy rates or crime. All funds must be spent within two years, and grantees must submit annual progress reports to the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated state fund for public safety workforce grants, increasing budget allocation for essential services like law enforcement recruitment and training.92% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds recruitment/retention in law enforcement, corrections, and public defender offices to address staffing gaps, directly strengthening criminal justice system workforce capacity.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides grants for recruitment bonuses and training to address public safety staffing gaps, supporting workforce retention in key employment sectors.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Mexico · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3: DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2026

This bill (HB 3) is a funding authorization for New Mexico's Department of Transportation (DOT) for fiscal year 2027. It allocates specific budget amounts for highway construction and maintenance ($556 million for design/construction, $321 million for operations), including funding for road projects, bridge inspections, and equipment. The bill includes performance targets, such as maintaining 95% of bridges in fair or better condition and completing 88% of projects on schedule. It directly affects DOT operations and state highway infrastructure management, with no new policy changes - only funding allocation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $877M for DOT infrastructure, directly funding public transportation services per budget authorization.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $556M for highway construction/maintenance and $321M for operations, with performance targets for infrastructure upkeep.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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