2026 NM Legislative Session

Compacts are one piece of the House Democrats' broad slate of legislation this session to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in New Mexico

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed seven bills to expand access to healthcare through participation in interstate compacts, which allow licensed, qualified healthcare providers in other states to serve patients in New Mexico. 

Santa Fe, NM — Today, the New Mexico House Republican Caucus sent a formal letter to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon warning that Senate Bill 17 is a clear and blatant violation of the Second Amendment.

SB 17 bans firearms that are in common lawful use, prohibits standard-capacity magazines, and outlaws entire classes of firearms based solely on their operating mechanisms. The U.S. Supreme Court has been unequivocal. States cannot ban commonly owned firearms. SB 17 ignores that precedent entirely.

This bill also creates a de facto firearms registry. It forces dealers to collect and retain detailed records on lawful gun owners, mandates ongoing reporting to state agencies, and permanently transfers those records to the state government if a dealer closes. That is government tracking of lawful firearm ownership, and it directly conflicts with constitutional protections.

Santa Fe, NM - Four Republican Senators today introduced a bill to prohibit obscene "punitive damages" payouts to trial lawyers at the expense of patients and doctors.  In 2021, Democrats pushed through damaging increases to the punitive caps on medical malpractice claims, action which has created a crisis in healthcare access for New Mexico families. The legislation introduced today would prohibit the award of punitive damages in medical malpractice cases, a move the sponsors say is critical to stabilizing the state's collapsing healthcare system and prioritizing patients over courtroom profits.

Senators Pat Woods (R-Broadview), Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque), Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), and Steve Lanier (R-Aztec) introduced their bill, aimed at ending the exodus of medical professionals from New Mexico. That exodus has led to increased wait times for New Mexicans seeking critical medical care. State leaders and doctors are worried that New Mexico's overly litigious posture towards medical professionals is severely impacting the health of vulnerable New Mexicans. 

Seven interstate compact bills head to House floor; legislation to continue state support for ACA subsidies, and recruit and retain providers advance through committee

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives advanced 10 pieces of legislation to improve healthcare access across the state by lowering out-of-pocket costs, expanding access to care, and recruiting and retaining more providers. 

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed seven bills today that would expand access to healthcare through participation in interstate healthcare compacts, which allow states to expedite licensing for qualified healthcare providers who wish to practice in multiple states. 

SANTA FE, NM (January 23, 2026)—The State Highway Project Bonds legislation (SB2) is scheduled to be heard on the Senate Floor today.

The $1.5 billion bond legislation would ensure predictable, stable funding for road infrastructure projects. 

In addition to the bonding bill, a $500 million special appropriation for local road construction and maintenance has been requested to make up for last year's lack of funding.

SANTA FE, NM (January 21, 2026)—The State Highway Project Bonds legislation (SB2) was heard by the Senate Finance Committee today and passed with an 8-2 vote as amended.

The $1.5 billion bond legislation would ensure predictable, stable funding for road infrastructure projects. 

In addition to the bonding bill, a $500 million special appropriation for local road construction and maintenance has been requested to make up for last year's lack of funding. 

STATE CAPITOL – Today, Senator Jim Townsend announced his appointment to the Senate Judiciary Committee, effective immediately.

Senator Townsend previously served on the House Judiciary Committee and brings a wealth of experience to the panel, which oversees matters ranging from constitutional law and the court system to public safety and civil rights. To accommodate this new assignment, the Senator will be stepping down from his current role on the Conservation Committee.

Today, the Governor called for banning so-called "assault weapons" and targeting gun dealers.

House Republicans strongly oppose this effort.

"The Governor's call to ban 'assault weapons' and go after gun dealers is reckless and

unconstitutional. This is backdoor gun control that targets law-abiding New Mexicans while violent criminals keep getting a free pass.