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 The bill repeals the outdated Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act to streamline eligibility and funding under the new framework.
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.
HB 64 allocates $13.25 million from New Mexico's Public Project Revolving Fund to three specific state funds for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. It provides $6.25 million to the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to match federal projects under the Safe Drinking Water Act, $2 million to the Local Government Planning Fund, and $5 million to the Cultural Affairs Facilities Infrastructure Fund for facility upgrades. The bill ensures unspent funds remain with the recipient programs instead of returning to the original revolving fund. This directly supports water infrastructure projects, local government planning initiatives, and cultural facility improvements across the state.
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.
