2025 NM Legislative Session

SANTA FE – In a major victory for students and teachers across New Mexico, Senator Crystal Brantley's (R-Elephant Butte) Senate Bill 11, known as the "Anti-Distraction Policy in Schools," passed the House late last night on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 59-4. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature.
"This is an incredible moment for New Mexico's education system," said Senator Brantley. "For far too long, our teachers have been on the front lines of a fight they didn't sign up for—trying to keep students focused while competing with phones and social media. SB 11 gives them the tools and support they need, and it shows our kids that their education comes first. I urge the governor to sign this bill without delay. Our teachers and students have waited long enough."

Statewide coalition applauds forward-looking investments
in job creation and economic diversification

[Santa Fe, NM] - Senate Bill 83 has officially cleared its final legislative hurdle, passing the New Mexico House 31-25 and heading to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk. This legislation establishes the Innovation in State Government Fund, equipping state agencies with the resources to develop and implement forward-thinking policies that drive economic growth, create jobs, and modernize government operations. With strong support from lawmakers and advocates, SB83 represents a bold investment of $13.5 million in New Mexico's future, ensuring the state remains a leader in innovation and sustainability.

Legislation would prep construction-ready sites so companies can easily set up shop

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to identify and prepare locations for business development in New Mexico by a vote of X-X.

Senate Bill 169 would create the Site Readiness Fund to identify ideal business locations and assist with pre-development. This would include surveying, assessing, permitting, and landscaping, in order to give businesses eager to set up shop or expand in New Mexican communities the ability to do so at a construction-ready location.

Legislation would bring oil and gas royalty rates to market value,
providing millions more for public schools, universities, and hospitals

Santa Fe, N.M. - Legislation that would bring New Mexico's oil and gas royalty rates in line with current market values is now headed to the Governor's desk, after passing the House of Representatives today by a vote of 37-31.

Senate Bill 23 would apply to lease rates for new oil and gas tracts leased from the State Land Office, so that these rates are in line with the fair market value for New Mexico's mineral rights. This rate change would also supply additional funding for critical public services that are made through the Land Grant Permanent Fund.

Senate Bill 8 offers incentives for vets in rural communities

SANTA FE – A bill to create a veterinary medicine loan repayment program is headed to the governor's desk after passage by the New Mexico House and Senate.

Senate Bill 8 provides student loan debt relief to veterinarians who commit to practicing in the state of New Mexico. The bill is tailored toward food animal veterinary care to ensure that livestock receive a higher
standard of care.

Medical Provider Conscience Protection, Safe Haven Baby Boxes, & New $10 Million Abortion Clinic

Santa Fe, NM — Today, in collaboration with the New Mexico Alliance for Life, Senate Republicans held a press conference which included:

Advocacy for the consideration of Senate Bill 347
New Mexico Medical providers provided testimony of their experiences having been stripped of their protections against choosing to not participate in procedures they have moral, personal, and religious conflicts with.

SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed two bills that will provide significant tax relief and recreational opportunities for New Mexico veterans.

The legislation, which expands property tax exemptions and provides free access to state parks, represents New Mexico's commitment to supporting those who have served our country.

"Today marks an important step forward in how we honor and support our veterans in New Mexico," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "Our veterans deserve meaningful support for their service and sacrifice, and I'm proud to sign legislation that provides tangible benefits to them and their families."

House Bill 47 implements constitutional amendments approved by voters in the 2024 general election that will significantly increase property tax exemptions for veterans beginning in 2026. The legislation will raise the standard veteran property tax exemption from $4,000 to $10,000, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years. It also establishes a proportional property tax exemption for disabled veterans that matches their federal disability rating, rather than requiring a 100% disability rating for exemption eligibility.

House Bill 161 provides veterans residing in New Mexico with free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use passes and camping passes for areas operated by the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

"These new laws represent our state's deep appreciation for the service of our veterans," saidSec. Jamison Herrera, Brigadier General (retired), of the Department of Veterans Services. "The property tax relief will provide meaningful financial support to veterans and their families, while access to our state parks offers opportunities for recreation and healing in New Mexico's beautiful outdoor spaces."

"I'm proud of our Tax Department for helping this legislation reach the finish line by working closely with veterans' groups, the Department of Veterans Services, and county assessors to implement these exemptions by November 1," said Sec. Stephanie Schardin Clarke, for Taxation and Revenue Department. "This is our small way of saying thank you to those who served our country."

"Our state parks system represents some of New Mexico's most beautiful and treasured lands, and we are honored to open these spaces to the men and women who have served our nation," said Sec. Melanie A. Kenderdine, for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "Providing veterans with access to our parks and camping areas is a meaningful way to express our gratitude while inviting them to experience the healing power of New Mexico's natural landscapes."

Rep. Luis M. Terrazas, a sponsor of HB 47, said "I think this is a great day for New Mexico and all veterans across the state. They see the goodness of bipartisan work, working with our Governor and having something that's wonderful, not just for generations to come, but as a small way of thanking people for their service to our country."

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed key legislation to help communities across the state adapt to climate change and protect New Mexico's freshwater resources.

Senate Bill 48, which passed by a vote of 39-26, would create a Community Benefit Fund for the state of New Mexico. This fund would provide grants for infrastructure and clean energy projects that reduce pollution, improve resiliency against extreme weather, and enhance grid reliability in cities and towns across the state. These investments in local projects and clean energy will also help grow local economies and strengthen workforces.