My friend,

As the 2026 Legislative Session gets underway, I wanted to provide you with a comprehensive update on the work I've been doing on your behalf during the opening weeks at the Roundhouse.

Committee Work and Key Votes

The House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee (HGEIC) held its first meeting, where we heard House Bill 41—a bill I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation strengthens the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) to ensure long-term stability and allows for increased cost-of-living adjustments for public employees who were promised COLAs to help keep up with inflation.

In the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (CPAC), Rep. Stefani Lord (R–Sandia Park) and I fought House Bill 9, legislation that would financially cripple our districts by shuttering ICE processing facilities. Despite our opposition, the bill passed the committee on a 4–2 vote.

At a subsequent CPAC meeting, the committee heard House Bill 49, which was intended to increase penalties for violent felons who illegally possess firearms. Unfortunately, far-left Democrats watered down the bill through amendments, removing meaningful accountability. Given that other felons who illegally possess firearms face only a flat three-year penalty, I voted no—this approach is weak on crime and fails to protect public safety.

House Bill 61, which aligns penalties for aggravated battery on a peace officer with other statutes, passed the committee. However, House Joint Resolution 2—sponsored by Rep. Nicole Chavez (R–Albuquerque)—which would allow the state discretion to hold violent offenders behind bars and end the revolving door of arrests and releases, was rejected. Likewise, House Bill 59 from Rep. Andrea Reeb (R–Clovis), which would allow judges to increase sentences for certain violent murders from 18 to 25 years, was tabled by far-left Democrats—placing the interests of violent offenders ahead of New Mexicans.

House Bill 156, which permanently removes CDC vaccination recommendations and instead places authority with the American Academy of Pediatrics—a group that supports controversial policies involving children—passed CPAC. Rep. Lord and I voted no.

My Legislation

My bill, House Bill 113, was heard in the House Energy Committee. The bill simply applies the same 3.75 percent tax rate on renewable energy that oil and gas producers already pay—ensuring all energy producers contribute their fair share. Democrats voted the bill down, with the committee chair dismissing it as a "waste of time," despite placing it on the agenda himself.

In HGEIC, I voted against House Joint Resolution 4, which removes CYFD from the governor's office only to place it under a three-member panel composed entirely of Democrat-appointed members—eliminating any minority representation. I also voted against House Bill 164, which attacks free speech by imposing overly burdensome campaign reporting requirements on issue advocacy groups.

House Floor Debate on HB 9

On Friday, I led the charge on the House floor against House Bill 9. This legislation threatens to shut down the Otero County immigration detention center, which still has $16.5 million in outstanding bonds. Closure would eliminate approximately 300 jobs, result in nearly $4 million in lost state gross receipts, and $6 million in lost local gross receipts.

I debated the bill for the full three hours—the maximum allowed—and offered an amendment to reimburse Otero, Torrance, and Cibola Counties for the financial harm caused by closure. While the amendment narrowly failed, Republicans dominated the debate, and it was my strongest floor debate to date.

Otero County at the Roundhouse

This past week, we welcomed many Otero County residents to Santa Fe for Otero County Days. I honored Alamogordo School Board member Carolyn Atkinson on the House floor, and the Speaker recognized Heather Miller, Superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. We also showcased New Mexico's military strength by presenting 3D-printed models of fighter jets—including F-16s and F-117s—to legislators.

I also participated in Sanctity of Life Day at the Capitol alongside my Republican colleagues, advocating for the most fundamental right—the right to life.

During White Coat Day, I met with physicians from CHRISTUS Health in Alamogordo advocating for medical malpractice reform. While the bill was gutted in one committee, it is expected to be strengthened again when heard in House Judiciary.

On Saturday, I hosted the New Mexico Young Republicans for a Roundhouse tour and spoke at the New Mexico Federated Republican Women's annual winter conference.

Additional Legislation I'm Sponsoring

I am bringing forward strong, commonsense proposals, including:

HB 81 – Constitutional Carry

HB 222 – Voter ID

HB 112 – Ending daylight saving time in New Mexico

HB 29 – $8 million for infrastructure in military and defense communities

HB 221 – Removing the $30,000 cap on military retirement tax exemptions

HB 232 – Tax credit for safe firearm storage

HM 17 – Task force to address fraud and abuse of children in the film industry

HB 177 – Ensuring humane care for service and companion animals of veterans

I am proud to be your fighter at the Roundhouse, and it is the honor of my life to serve the people of House District 51. I will continue to keep you informed as the session moves forward.

Sincerely,

John Block

State Representative, House District 51