Technology

SB 172 extends New Mexico's Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit, allowing national laboratories operating in the state to claim tax credits for costs incurred while helping registered New Mexico businesses mature technologies developed at those labs. The credit covers qualified expenses like lab staff salaries, travel, and supplies, up to $150,000 per business annually and with annual limits per laboratory (starting at $2 million in 2026-2027 and rising to $5 million by 2029). To qualify, businesses must be registered in New Mexico and have licensed technology from the lab or participate in a cooperative research agreement with it. National laboratories must submit annual reports detailing program activities, business progress, and economic impact studies to the state tax department.

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 The bill repeals the outdated Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act to streamline eligibility and funding under the new framework.

SB 111 clarifies the definition of "personal information" within New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Code. It explicitly states that vehicle ownership details, accident records, driving violations, and driver status do not qualify as "personal information" under this definition. This amendment creates a clear boundary between personal data (like social security numbers) and vehicle-related records for state agencies. The bill is currently progressing through legislative committees after passing a committee report.

SB 132 expands New Mexico's Department of Information Technology (DOIT) funding mechanisms to include software replacement costs alongside hardware. It amends existing law to rename "Equipment Replacement Revolving Funds" as "Equipment and Software Replacement Revolving Funds," requiring DOIT to create separate plans for both hardware and software replacement for its enterprise services. The bill establishes that funds must be replenished through revenue from services (based on cost structures) and cannot expire at year-end, ensuring dedicated capital for replacing both physical equipment and associated software used across state agencies. This change directly affects DOIT's operations and the state's IT infrastructure funding, shifting the focus from purely equipment to encompassing software lifecycle management.