Transportation (Airports)

SB 103 makes it a crime to interfere with aircraft flight, specifically adding directing a laser at an aircraft to the list of prohibited acts. It directly affects individuals who point lasers at aircraft (e.g., from the ground), imposing penalties based on severity: a fourth-degree felony for first offenses, third-degree for repeat offenses or causing medical harm. The law amends New Mexico’s criminal code to define "laser" and sets sentencing requirements under existing felony statutes. This bill creates clear criminal penalties for actions that endanger aircraft operations, without changing other aspects of aviation safety law.

SB 82 creates a New Mexico state grant program to help publicly owned airports install unleaded aviation fuel systems. The program, funded with $5 million from the general fund, provides competitive grants of up to $200,000 per airport to airports without existing unleaded fuel access. Eligible applicants include publicly owned airports, state political subdivisions, and tribal nations/pueblos. The grant requires installations to use alcohol-free gasoline with lead content under 0.001 grams per gallon, effective July 1, 2026.