2024 NM Legislative Session
This category will include items sent to the Beat from the 2024 NM Legislative session.
House Approves Robust Bipartisan Tax Package
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 08 February 2024 08 February 2024
Tax reforms would support local businesses, rural health care providers, and climate goals,
while providing relief to working families and wildfire victims
Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 252, the omnibus tax package, with a bipartisan vote of 48-21. The tax package now heads to the Senate.
House Bill 252 would make New Mexico’s tax code more equitable, expand incentives for rural healthcare providers, support local businesses and childcare providers, advance the state’s climate goals, and provide relief to families impacted by wildfires.
Senator Craig Brandt Chastises Senate Democrats for Delaying Crime Reform
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024
Senate Judiciary to take up Second Amendment infringement before bills targeting career criminals
SANTA FE—With only eight days left in the 2024 Legislative Session, several substantive, governor-backed, crime-fighting pieces of legislation have yet to be scheduled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Of primary concern is Senate Bill 102. Supported by the Department of Public Safety, the State Police, several District Attorneys, and the Attorney General, the bill would expand the scope of the state’s racketeering act to give prosecutors a key tool to keep career criminals behind bars.
RPNM Legislative updates 0106024
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 06 February 2024 06 February 2024
Included in this email:
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Call to Action
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Pre-Written Letters
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Composition of the NM Legislature
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Attend the Meetings
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Legis Recap
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Bills to Watch
Call to Action!
Speak during the committee hearing
🟥SB 204 FIREARMS ON PLAYGROUNDS
Would ban carrying a firearm at a park or playground leaving families defenseless to violent criminal attacks.
SENATE HEALTH AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1:00 or 1/2 HR after floor session 311
For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to SHPAC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov
To attend meeting via Zoom Webinar click the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81287336647
Webinar ID: 812 87336647, Zoom Call: 1 719 359 4580
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
jortizyp@msn.com, bill.tallman@nmlegis.gov, gregg.schmedes@nmlegis.gov , martin.hickey@nmlegis.gov, antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov , steven.mccutcheon@nmlegis.gov, brenda.mckenna@nmlegis.gov, a.sedillolopez@nmlegis.gov, greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov
WATCH Sen. Schmedes explains how this bill will make parks more dangerous for families. (Click on the video below)
🟥HB 144 OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Creates the bureaucratic “Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention.”
HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 1:30 PM - Room 309
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82777125960
Or One tap mobile :+12532050468,,82777125960#
US Webinar ID: 827 7712 5960
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov, andrea@andrearomero.com, bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov, eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov, gail@gailchasey.com, RYAN@LANEFORLIBERTY.COM, javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov, matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov, jared.hembree@nmlegis.gov, Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov, reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov
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🟥HB 129 FIREARM SALE WAITING PERIOD CRIMES
Adds a 14-day waiting period to a firearm purchase.
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1:30 PM or 1/2 hour after floor session 321
For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to SJC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov.
Include bill number, proponent or opponent and if you will be attending in person or via zoom.
To attend meeting via the Zoom Webinar click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502543362
Meeting ID: 815 02543362, Zoom Call: 1-253-205-0468
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
joseph.cervantes@nmlegis.gov, katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov, cliff.pirtle@nmlegis.gov, greg.baca@nmlegis.gov, daniel.ivey-soto@nmlegis.gov, mark.moores@nmlegis.gov, BILL@BILLONEILL4NM.COM, mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov, peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov
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🟩HJR 8 DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY, CA
Limit the governor’s emergency powers to 90 days unless she gets a 3/5 approval vote from the legislature.
HOUSE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS AND INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 8:30 AM - Room 305
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84200839142
Or One tap mobile : +17193594580,,84200839142#
US Webinar ID: 842 0083 9142
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
dwonda.johnson@nmlegis.gov, natalie.figueroa@nmlegis.gov, martin.zamora@nmlegis.gov, Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov, John.Block@nmlegis.gov, gail@gailchasey.com, dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov, Charlotte.Little@nmlegis.gov, bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov
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🟥HB 179 LIQUOR TAX CHANGES & USES
Would increase prices on beer and cider by 651%, wine by 376%, spirits by 353%, and fortified wine by 161%.
HOUSE TAXATION & REVENUE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 8:30 AM - Room 317
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86372062936
Or One tap mobile : +13462487799,,86372062936#
US Webinar ID: 863 7206 2936
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
derrick.lente@nmlegis.gov, micaela.cadena@nmlegis.gov, JasonHarperNM@gmail.com, Cynthia.Borrego@nmlegis.gov, ambrose.castellano@nmlegis.gov, christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov, Mark.Duncan@nmlegis.gov, doreen.gallegos@nmlegis.gov, joshua.hernandez@nmlegis.gov, javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov, kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov, larry.scott@nmlegis.gov, linda.serrato@nmlegis.gov, townsend@pvtn.net
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🟩HB 248 SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME TAX EXEMPTION CAP
Removing the income cap for the social security income exemption pursuant to the income tax act.
HOUSE COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 1:30 PM - Room 317
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85993976266
Or One tap mobile : +13462487799,,85993976266# US (Houston)
Webinar ID: 859 9397 6266
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
doreen.gallegos@nmlegis.gov, linda.serrato@nmlegis.gov, joshua.hernandez@nmlegis.gov, Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov, Mark.Duncan@nmlegis.gov, derrick.lente@nmlegis.gov, Charlotte.Little@nmlegis.gov, patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov, Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov, Jimmy.Mason@nmlegis.gov, marian.matthews@nmlegis.gov
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🟩HB 280 FLAT INCOME TAX RATE
Creating a flat individual income tax rate of one percent.
HOUSE COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 1:30 PM - Room 317
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85993976266
Or One tap mobile : +13462487799,,85993976266#
US (Houston) Webinar ID: 859 9397 6266
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
doreen.gallegos@nmlegis.gov, linda.serrato@nmlegis.gov, joshua.hernandez@nmlegis.gov, Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov, Mark.Duncan@nmlegis.gov, derrick.lente@nmlegis.gov, Charlotte.Little@nmlegis.gov, patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov, Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov, Jimmy.Mason@nmlegis.gov, marian.matthews@nmlegis.gov
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🟥SJR 8 ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS, CA
Government power grab in the name of environmental rights.
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 8:00am 321
For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to SRC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov.
To attend meeting via Zoom Webinar click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81944191844
Webinar ID: 8194419 1844,
Zoom Call: 1 669 900 9128
To send an email, copy the contact info for this committee below:
katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov, leo.jaramillo@nmlegis.gov, greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov, greg.baca@nmlegis.gov, linda.lopez@nmlegis.gov, brenda.mckenna@nmlegis.gov, mark.moores@nmlegis.gov, jortizyp@msn.com, cliff.pirtle@nmlegis.gov, lstefanics@msn.com, mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov
To be heard on the Senate Floor soon:
SB 69 14-DAY FIREARM SALE WAITING PERIOD
Requires a 14-day waiting period for firearm purchases.
SB 3 PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Would codify a 12-week paid family medical leave. Employees will be required to contribute an additional .5% of their wages and employers an additional .4% to this fund.
To be heard on the House Floor soon:
HB 114 FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Would make the firearms industry an easy target for litigation that could threaten many businesses.
HB 27 EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER CHANGES
Seeks to expand the State Red Flag Gun Confiscation Law. It empowers law enforcement officers and unspecified licensed healthcare professionals to petition for extreme risk protective orders. Immediate firearm surrender is required upon service of these orders.
HB 127 AGE 21 FOR FIREARM PURCHASES
Raises the minimum age to purchase or possess a firearm to 21 years old.
HB 133 OIL & GAS ACT CHANGES
Amends the Oil and Gas Act and institute new gas-killing regulations.
HB 137 GAS-OPERATED SEMIAUTO FIREARMS EXCLUSION ACT
Semiautomatic rifle ban and gun registry.
➡Send an email to your legislators and ask them to oppose these bills.
Your letter can be as simple as the following template:
Subject line: Please oppose <insert bill #> or Please support <insert bill #>
Dear Legislators,
I am asking you to please oppose/support <insert bill#>. I do/do not support this bill because <insert reason>.
Thank you,
Name
Address
Pre-written letters to send to your representatives:
Via: BetterTogetherNM
Stop the Governor’s Gun and Magazine Ban! Oppose HB 137.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=2175
Stop SB 204 - the park gun ban!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=218
Stop the 14-Day Waiting Period
Stop SB 69!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21773
Stop the 14-Day Waiting Period
Stop HB 129!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21594
Oppose HB 127.
Stop the Firearms and Magazines Ban for 18-20-year-old Citizens!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21729
Stop SB 5!
Tell your representatives in Santa Fe to stop the Polling Place Gun Free Zone.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21597
Stop PMFLA in the House - HB 6!
This regulation would devastate NM businesses.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21642
Stop PMFLA in the Senate - SB 3!
This regulation would devastate NM businesses.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21816
Support Women in Sports!
HB205 Women's Bill of Rights
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21829
Stop legislators from raising NM's gas prices unnecessarily!
Stop HB 41.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21743
Save the Industry that Funds NM!
Stop HB 133 Oil and Gas Act Changes.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21739
School Choice Works. Support HB105!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21868
Stop Endangering the Public with "Catch and Release"
Support SJR 11!
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21755
Stop the Gun and Ammunition Tax!
Oppose SB 90.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21753
Stop the Red Flag Gun Confiscation Expansion! Stop HB 27.
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=21756
More pre-written letters here: https://bettertogethernewmexico.org/take-action/
Composition of the NM Legislature
There are currently 45 Democrats and 25 Republicans in the House of Representatives.
There are currently 27 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the Senate.
Attend the Meetings
Stream online or attend in person
Attend in person:
New Mexico State Capitol
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Legislative Recap
🟥HB 180 – Parenting and Pregnancy Resource Website and Hotline. Tabled by Democrats on a party-line vote on Wednesday in the House Health and Human Services committee.
WATCH: Rep. Jenifer Jones gives her thoughts on HB 180 to the House Floor. (Click on the video below)
🟥HJR 3 – Remove the requirements that only courts of record may deny bail and that only prosecuting authorities may request a hearing to determine whether bail is denied, to allow courts to deny bail for all types of criminal offenses. Tabled by Democrats in the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee on Friday.
🟥HB 129 – Adds a 14-day amended to a 7-day waiting period for a firearm purchase. It passed on the House Floor 37-33 on Friday, despite all Republicans opposing the bill along with several Democrats.
(See who voted for and against this bill below. Click to expand the image.)
🟩On Saturday, a big 2A rally was held at the Roundhouse, where many citizens, 2A advocates, and Republican legislators spoke out in defense of New Mexicans’ constitutional rights.
(Photos via Ben Luna)
WATCH this ad about the governor’s proposed gun ban. (Click on the video below)
🟥HB 41 – Clean Transportation Fuels Standard would result in gas prices being raised by .50 a gallon or more. It passed on the House Floor 36-33 on Sunday with all Republicans voting against it, joined by a few conservative Democrats.
(See who voted for and against this bill below. Click on the image to expand.)
🟥SB 3 – Would codify a 12-week paid family medical leave. Employees will be required to contribute an additional .5% of their wages and employers an additional .4% to this fund. Democrats in the Senate rejected a motion by Senator Sharer to send the bill to the Senate Judiciary for an additional review because of the penalties and others that would decimate small businesses.
WATCH: Sen. Brantley & Guests discuss Paid Family Medical Leave and Session Update with days remaining! (Click on the video below)
Senator Bill Sharer and Senator Crystal Brantley Issue Statement on Advancement of PFML Tax
February 3, 2024
Legislation will raise taxes on New Mexico employees and employers
SANTA FE—Today, the Senate Finance Committee advanced the Paid Family Medical Leave Act on a vote of 6-5 with all Senate Republicans voting against the measure. The bill would impose a mandatory tax on every New Mexico business with five or more employees and an additional tax on the employees’ paychecks. Contributions would feed a state fund to pay out up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
“Today was a contrast between responsible government and idealistic thinking,” said Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington), the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Not only did the sponsor choose to implement an additional tax on small businesses and employees, but two of the three projections indicate this fund will soon be insolvent. We have a multi-billion dollar surplus, and yet, Senate Democrats are choosing to implement another tax.”
“No one understands the importance of maternity leave better than a mother,” added Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte). “However, this bill is not universal parental leave. Rather, it’s a wide-open invitation for fraud with limited guardrails that will harm small businesses and raise taxes on hardworking New Mexicans. With this vote, progressive Democrats continue to demonstrate their insatiable appetite for higher taxes and more government control.”
Senate Bill 3 will now be considered by the full Senate.
Bills to Watch
(➡Has been moved to the RPNM website. Click button below.)
Housing Development Bill Passes House
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 06 February 2024 06 February 2024
Provides funding for residential and workforce housing development
in communities throughout the state
Santa Fe, N.M. - Legislation to support housing development across New Mexico passed the House of Representatives today with a bipartisan vote of 50-16. House Bill 195 would expand the Opportunity Enterprise Act, which was signed into law in 2022 to help communities acquire commercial spaces, to also support residential development.
Geothermal Energy Bill Passes the House
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 06 February 2024 06 February 2024
New fund and loan program would help the expansion of geothermal energy in New Mexico
Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 91 with a strong bipartisan vote of 60-5, which would provide funding and resources to private, public, non-profit, or tribal entities for the expansion of geothermal energy.
HB 91 would create the Geothermal Projects Development Fund and the Geothermal Projects Revolving Loan Fund to provide grants and loans for geothermal projects. Both funds would be administered by the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD).
Federal Grant Matching Bill Unanimously Passes House
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024
The bipartisan legislation would help state agencies, colleges, and rural municipalities receive critical federal funds for infrastructure and other community projects
Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 177, which would help New Mexico unlock federal matching funds for important rural and infrastructure projects, by a unanimous vote.
House Bill 177 would create a $100 million New Mexico Match Fund to provide state and local agencies with the state match often required to receive federal infrastructure funds. It would also help offset the higher project costs that can be incurred to comply with federal grant requirements.
Bipartisan Law Enforcement Retention Bill Passes House
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 04 February 2024 04 February 2024
Legislation will help support, retain & recruit law enforcement officers
to improve community safety across the state
Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan House Bill 193, which outlines tenure-based bonuses to help retain and recruit law enforcement statewide.
“Rewarding law enforcement for their continued service is not just the right thing to do, it will help us retain quality officers and recruit new cops to the force,” said sponsor Rep. Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque).
House Passes Bill to Prevent Sexual Assault
- Category: 2024 NM Legislative Session 2024 NM Legislative Session
- Published: 04 February 2024 04 February 2024
Requires state-funded colleges and universities to provide victim services, as well as prevention and training programs based on affirmative consent
Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation establishing a clear standard for affirmative consent at New Mexico colleges and universities to prevent sexual assault and harassment. The bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 44-17 and will now move to the Senate.
“Affirmative consent” refers to the knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among participants to engage in sexual or physical activity, with clear permission provided.