SB 53, the Community and Health Information Safety and Privacy Act, establishes new privacy standards for businesses operating in New Mexico that collect consumer data. It directly affects online service providers, health-related businesses, and other "covered entities" that handle personal or biometric data of New Mexico residents. Key provisions prohibit businesses from using consumer data for targeted advertising without consent, ban "dark patterns" that manipulate user choices, and require clear opt-out mechanisms for data sharing. The law also protects consumers' rights to access, correct, or delete their data and prohibits retaliation for exercising these rights. It specifically excludes certain health data used for medical treatment under federal law from its requirements.
HB 134 creates a new crime for knowingly installing a GPS tracking device to monitor another person's location without their knowledge, consent, or permission. This law applies to individuals who place such devices on vehicles or property to track movements, classifying the offense as a petty misdemeanor. Exemptions cover certified law enforcement officers acting in official duties and licensed private investigators. The bill defines a "global positioning system" as any device transmitting location data to track a person, vehicle, or property.
HB 36, the Accessibility Act, creates the Office of Accessibility within New Mexico's Department of Health to improve access for people with disabilities in state services. The Office will develop accessibility standards, provide training to state agencies on digital and physical accessibility, and assist agencies in identifying barriers in websites, apps, and facilities. State agencies must annually report their accessibility efforts to the Office, which will then issue public reports detailing progress, barriers, and recommendations to the governor and legislature. The bill appropriates $350,000 for the Office's operations during fiscal years 2026-2027.
Tags
People with Disabilities
SB 142 extends the authorization to issue up to $10 million annually in severance tax bonds for education technology infrastructure in New Mexico until July 1, 2030. The bonds, certified by the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and sold by the State Board of Finance, fund school technology upgrades like broadband and digital tools. Proceeds are directed to an education technology infrastructure fund for public school systems. This maintains funding for school technology infrastructure projects beyond the current authorization period.
This joint memorial (HJM 1) expresses New Mexico's legislative support for strengthening ties between Taiwan and both the U.S. and New Mexico. It specifically encourages cooperation in trade, technology, education, and Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations like the WHO and UN climate talks. The memorial calls for creating a "New Mexico-Taiwan friendship caucus" to coordinate regular official exchanges, trade missions, and academic partnerships. It directs New Mexico’s economic agencies and universities to develop joint programs with Taiwan, aligning with U.S. policy on Taiwan engagement.
HB 214, the Consumer Information and Data Protection Act, creates new rules for businesses handling personal data in New Mexico. It directly affects New Mexico residents ("consumers") by granting them rights to access, correct, or delete their personal data, and requiring businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent for data processing - prohibiting "dark patterns" that trick users. Key provisions include special protections for children's data, sensitive health information (like reproductive or mental health data), and biometric data, while banning the use of precise location tracking without consent. Businesses must also implement security measures and cannot use de-identified data for re-identification. The bill does not apply to publicly available information or de-identified data.
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.
HB 58 updates New Mexico's harassment law to cover modern digital communications, expanding the definition of "telephone" to include texts, social media posts, emails, and instant messages. It makes it illegal to use these platforms to send obscene, threatening, or harassing messages with intent to terrify or annoy, or to repeatedly disturb someone's peace through anonymous digital contact. Penalties range from a misdemeanor for first offenses to a fourth-degree felony for repeat violations. The law directly affects individuals who use digital means to harass others, aligning penalties with where the communication originated or was received.
SB 36 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses making at least $3 million in qualified infrastructure or equipment expenditures for quantum facilities located in New Mexico. The credit, capped at $50 million per facility, directly affects companies building quantum technology research facilities in the state. Key provisions require preliminary and final certification from New Mexico's Economic Development Department, mandate equipment stay in-state for 10 years, and include specific definitions for "quantum facility" and "qualified equipment." The credit reduces income tax liability, with unused portions refundable, and is subject to an annual $50 million state budget cap.
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.
