Technology

SB 97 expands New Mexico's Technology Jobs and Research and Development Tax Credit by including property owned by municipalities or counties for industrial revenue bond projects as eligible "qualified expenditures." This change directly affects tech businesses and research facilities that use such municipal-owned property for their operations, allowing them to claim tax credits for related costs. The bill amends the existing tax credit definition to remove a current exclusion for these specific property expenditures. It does not alter the credit's calculation method or eligibility thresholds for businesses. The policy change aims to broaden access to the tax credit for qualifying tech investments funded through local government bonds.

HB 174, the Chatbot Safety Act, regulates "companion artificial intelligence products" (AI chatbots designed for long-term emotional interaction) in New Mexico. It prohibits operators from using addictive engagement tactics (like variable rewards), simulating emotional distress to retain users, or misrepresenting the AI's identity. The bill requires clear real-time notifications that users are interacting with AI, mandatory crisis intervention protocols for suicide/self-harm risks, and annual reviews with mental health experts. These rules apply to developers and companies deploying such AI products in New Mexico, with violations treated as unfair trade practices enforceable by the Attorney General starting January 1, 2027.