2025 NM Legislative Session

Legislation would create new public alert system for missing Native Americans

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass Senate Bill 41, which would create a new Turquoise Alert notification system to alert the public about missing Native Americans in New Mexico.

The "Turquoise Alert" system would aid in locating missing Native Americans in New Mexico through a specialized notification for missing persons who are enrolled members or eligible for enrollment in a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo.

Santa Fe, NM — House Bill 2 passed the Senate by a (24-16) vote with every Republican member voting in opposition. The FY26 budget is approximately $10.8 Billion, a 6% increase from FY25, and represents a growth of over 70% to the state budget under the current Lujan Grisham Administration.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer issued the following statement in response:

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed 13 bills, ranging from legislation that would protect New Mexicans' privacy and expand access to healthcare, to bills that would support professional development for educators and require background checks for cannabis license holders.

"New Mexicans are counting on us to make the most out the last week of this session," saidHouse Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "We're continuing to roll up our sleeves in these final days to work hard and deliver results that will make a difference for New Mexico families."

SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB 163 into law, ensuring students across New Mexico can freely express their cultural heritage at school ceremonies.

The legislation, which received unanimous support in both chambers of the state legislature, prohibits school boards and charter schools from preventing Native American students from wearing culturally significant clothing, accessories, and objects during graduation events.

Santa Fe, NM — Tonight, the Senate debated Senate Bill 318. This deceptive measure creates a loophole in our state's unfair practices law which would allow trial attorneys to exploit frivolous claims for monetary gain. Despite Senate Republicans' efforts, SB 318 passed by a (21-18) vote.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer issued the following statement in response:

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed two key bills to protect New Mexicans' safety and privacy by restricting the disclosure of certain personal information.

Senate Bill 57, which passed 42-25, would protect the rights of medical professionals who provide reproductive care at public institutions, by exempting their personal information from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). This narrow IPRA exemption would help ensure the personal safety of providers and the privacy of their patients.

 SANTA FE – A bill that would establish an enforcement bureau within the Regulation and Licensing Department and expand the Cannabis Control Division's regulatory authority is one step away from becoming law after passing the New Mexico Senate today.

House Bill 10 will allow the department to hire seven certified peace officers to investigate and pursue criminal charges against individuals who violate licensing requirements and defy the Cannabis Regulation Act. The bill moves to the governor's desk for signature.

Santa Fe, NM — Tonight, the Senate debated HB 143, a measure requiring activity reports to be filed by lobbyists who seek to influence legislation. However, Senate Republicans noted that mere activity reports do not ensure full transparency to the public about lobbying activity. Republicans therefore proposed a number of amendments to increase public transparency, including a requirement that lobbyists disclose gifts—including food and drinks—for lawmakers and a requirement that grassroots organizations disclose lobbying efforts. Democrat lawmakers killed each of these efforts, appearing to prefer less transparency and fewer restrictions for lobbyists.