2025 Legislative Session Key Achievements

New Mexico House Democrats delivered meaningful solutions to make our communities safer, lower cost for everyday New Mexicans, and improve child well-being throughout state

House Democrats worked quickly and efficiently in the 2025 legislative session to address the issues that matter most to New Mexicans. We developed an integrated crime package and well-vetted public safety solutions, made transformative investments in our behavioral healthcare system, lowered costs for families, and made critical reforms to improve child well-being. The House also delivered a responsible budget that will have an immediate impact, while saving and investing wisely for the future.

Affordability & Everyday Economics

House Democrats raised pay and strengthened benefits for working people, protected consumers from corporate greed, and worked to lower costs and expand access to essentials, including housing and healthcare.

Worker Pay & Benefits

• HB 6: IRB Project Minimum Wage - Requires companies hired for projects funded by Municipal and County Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to provide a prevailing wage to workers, bringing compensation in line with standards for state public works projects.
  Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 69: Loan Forgiveness Multiplier Act - Expands access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives student loans for individuals who work full-time in public service in federal, state, tribal, or local government for 10 years.
  Sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Leo Jaramillo (D-Española)

Reducing Costs of Essentials

• *HB 14: Earned Income Tax Credit - Would have improved fairness in New Mexico’s tax system, increasing and expanding tax cuts for hundreds of thousands of families, eliminating state income taxes for many working New Mexicans.
  *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 91: Public Utility Rate Structure - Allows public utilities in the state to implement rate structures intended to reduce utility costs for low-income customers.
  Sponsored by Reps. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 47: Veteran Property Tax Exemptions - Increases property tax exemptions to $10,000 and allows additional exemptions for veterans with service-related disabilities. Sponsored by Reps. Art De la Cruz (D-Albuquerque), Alan Martinez (D-Rio Rancho), and Luis Terrazas (R-Santa Clara), and Senator Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 167: Higher Ed. Payment For Certain Tests - Covers the cost of testing and prep services for New Mexicans looking to achieve high school equivalency certifications. Sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque)

Housing

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act

  • Directs $110 million to build more housing, including transitional housing.

  • Makes $45.9 million available to housing providers to focus on specialized housing solutions and a strategic response to homelessness.

Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 267: Housing Application Fees - Increases protections for residential renters and applicants, capping application and late fees and requiring more notice for increased fees. Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque) and Senators Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces), Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), and Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe)

Food Security & Hunger

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Improves food security for New Mexicans with $10 million in annual funding for food banks. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• *HB 77: Annual Federal Snap State Outreach Plans - Called for an annual outreach plan to promote access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson  (D-Albuquerque)
  

Healthcare 

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act

  • Delivers $15 billion in state and federal funding for Medicaid and other critical healthcare services.

  • Dedicates $25 million to expanding healthcare in rural areas.

  • Invests in growing the healthcare workforce by increasing rates and capacity.

Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 586: Review Of Certain Healthcare Transactions - Gives the state oversight of hospital and healthcare facility acquisitions and corporate consolidation to ensure changes in ownership do not have a negative impact on the quality, affordability, availability, or accessibility of care. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), and Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque)

• *HB 14: Earned Income Tax Credit - Would have expanded Gross Receipts Tax deductions for healthcare practitioners to help attract and retain medical providers throughout the state. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 214: Doula Credentialing - Establishes credentialing for doulas, who provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, enabling them to enroll as Medicaid providers. Sponsored by Reps. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces), and Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), and Senators Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 56: Medicaid Reimbursements For Birth Centers - Provides birth centers with equal Medicaid reimbursement rates provided for equivalent services at a hospital. Sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Alan Martinez (R-Rio Rancho)

Medication & Treatment

• HB 78: Prohibit Discrimination Against 340B Entities - Prevents insurance companies or pharmacies from interfering with 340B entities acquiring, delivering, or dispensing medication under the federal 340B, which provides discounts on outpatient medications. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

• SB 39: Add Classes to Prior Authorization Drugs - Expands access to critical medications by exempting additional classes of drugs, particularly those for rare diseases, from step therapy or prior authorization requirements. Sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 219: Medical Psilocybin Act - Allows alternative treatment for New Mexicans suffering from debilitating conditions such as PTSD, permitting limited use of medical psilocybin by patients whom clinicians believe would benefit from its effects. Nine sponsors including Reps. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) and Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), and Senators Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), Martin Hickey (D-Albuquerque), and Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)

• HB 233: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Equipment Coverage - Requires insurance providers to cover medical equipment to treat diabetic foot ulcers, including topical oxygen therapy. Sponsored by Reps. Joshua Hernandez (D-Rio Rancho), Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), and Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho)

Provider & Patient Safety

• SB 57: Medical Provider Patient IPRA Info - Protects the safety of medical professionals who provide reproductive care at public institutions in New Mexico, by exempting their personal information from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). Sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), and Senators Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

• HB 131: Caregiver Background Checks - Protects patient safety by expanding the list of crimes and risk factors that disqualify someone from becoming a medical caregiver. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque)
  

Behavioral Healthcare

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act

  • Funds statewide behavioral health infrastructure, including long-term support, as well as crisis response systems.

  • Appropriates $22.1 million to a new Medicaid waiver initiative for those in the criminal justice system, as part of an increased focus on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice.

  Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 1: Behavioral Health Trust Fund - Creates a trust fund for statewide behavioral healthcare initiatives, kick-started by a $100 million down payment in the state budget. 19 bipartisan sponsors, including Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup), Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), and House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque)

• SB 3: Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act - Establishes behavioral health regions across the state to identify gaps in care and rebuild necessary infrastructure in the most in-need areas. This measure is supported by $280 million in the state budget.  18 bipartisan sponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque)
  

Public Safety

House Democrats passed a robust public safety package, commonsense gun safety legislation, targeted penalty enhancements, and made significant investments in law enforcement to ensure officers have tools, resources, and support to keep our communities safe. Legislators also worked to rebuild the state’s behavioral healthcare system so that New Mexicans who are struggling can get the help they need.

Crime Prevention & Deterrence

• HB 8: Integrated Public Safety Package - Incorporates six individual House bills to:

  • Expand options for how the state’s criminal justice system assists individuals suffering from serious mental or behavioral health issues by creating more pathways to get them appropriate levels of treatment.

  • Enhance penalties for high-volume fentanyl trafficking to reflect public health and safety risks associated with the drug’s potency and its role in our overdose crisis.

  • Increase the penalty for making a mass shooting threat toward a school or public place to a fourth-degree felony, aligning it with the penalty for bomb threats.

  • Prohibit possession of a device designed to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.

  • Increase penalties for repeat and habitual offenders of vehicle thefts.

  • Give law enforcement officers more tools to enforce the state’s DWI laws.

Sponsored by Reps. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), and Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque)

• SB70: Add Racketeering Crimes - Enhances New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies’ and courts’ ability to combat human trafficking and organized crime.
  Sponsored by Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) and Rep. Catherine Cullen (R-Rio Rancho)

• SB 155: Determination of Embezzlement Penalty - Allows multiple incidents of embezzlement that occurred within a 12-month period to be combined for sentencing. Sponsored by Senator Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque)

• *HB 255: Juvenile Corrections Act - Would have taken a balanced, evidenced-based approach to juvenile justice, by increasing accountability for serious crime, while providing services and resources to support and rehabilitate at-risk kids. *This bill passed the House, but unfortunately died on the Senate floor.
  Sponsored by Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Senator Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque), and Reps. Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque), Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas), and Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee)

Law Enforcement Support & Resources

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act

  • Dedicates $10 million to building the capacity of local law enforcement agencies.

  • Allocates $4 million to law enforcement recruitment and retention.

  • Provides significant funding for state police raises, vehicles, and equipment.

  • Provides funding for a statewide case management system for recruitment and retention efforts for public defenders, and additional resources for the Attorney General’s office for training and legal expenses.

    Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 12: Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Changes - Makes New Mexico’s existing Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order, or “Red Flag Law,” easier to navigate for law enforcement and individuals so it can be more effectively enforced to temporarily suspend firearm access for those who may be a danger to themselves or others.

  Sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), and Senators Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque) and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 340: DNA of Certain Offenders in CODIS - Helps law enforcement solve cold cases by allowing the DNA of deceased individuals who were arrested for a felony, but died before being charged, to be entered into the federal CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database.

  22 sponsors including Reps. Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), and Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)

• SB 41: Turquoise Alert System - Creates a new public notification system to alert the public about missing Native Americans in New Mexico.

  Sponsored by Reps. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Senators Angel Charley (D-Acoma) and Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)

Support for Crime Victims

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Dedicates over $600,000 in additional recurring revenue to the crime victim reparations commission and $4 million to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
  Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)
  

Environment & Climate

House Democrats passed key legislation to safeguard the state’s environment and water supply, facilitate our transition to clean energy, protect New Mexicans from harmful pollution, and improve resilience to extreme weather from our changing climate. 

Water Protection & Security

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act

  • Provides $7 million to support the state’s river stewards program and $5 million to the Office of the State Engineer to implement the Water Security Planning Act.

  • Dedicates $1 million for clean water testing and $2 million to the New Mexico Environment Department to address well water contamination.

  • Supports water project development by beneficiaries of the Indian Water Rights Settlement, with a $25 million appropriation.

  • Funds research into the state’s water future, with $19 million to NM Tech for groundwater improvements, and $4 million for water research at NMSU.

  Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 21: Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act - Gives the state control over its water resources by instituting the federal Clean Water Act at the state level, expanding protections, holding polluters accountable, and cleaning up contaminated sites. Sponsored by Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), and Senator Bobby Gonzales (D-Ranchos de Taos)

• HB 137: Strategic Water Supply Act - Proposes innovative, responsible ways to conserve and reuse existing water resources, to protect our water supply for the future. Sponsored by Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo), House Majority Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino), Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), and Senators George Muñoz (D-Gallup) and Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)

Sustainable Energy

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Make significant investments in energy infrastructure, including grid modernization and electric school buses. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 48: Community Benefit Fund - Provides grants to local communities 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.

  Five sponsors including House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 128: NMFA Local Solar Access Fund - Improves access to solar energy and enhances emergency resiliency by providing grants to local government and tribal entities for the development of solar energy systems to power public buildings and infrastructure. Five sponsors including House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque)

• SB 23: Oil & Gas Royalty Rate Changes - Ensures extractive industries pay their fair share for New Mexico’s mineral resources by bringing royalty rates to current market value, providing millions in funding for public schools, universities, and hospitals. Sponsored by Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Sens. George Muñoz (D-Gallup) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

• HB 458: Carbon Dioxide Storage Stewardship Act - Creates a new fee of $.10 per metric ton of carbon dioxide captured for storage, with the fee paid by project operators. The fee revenue would be deposited into a new Geologic Carbon Dioxide Long-Term Stewardship Fund and would fund the long-term storage of sequestered carbon dioxide.

  Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), and Jack Chatfield (R-Mosquero), and Senators Steve Lanier (R-Aztec) and William Sharer (R-Farmington)

Hazardous Waste Cleanup & Protections

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Allocates $20 million to clean up abandoned uranium mines and other contaminated sites across the state. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 140: “Hazardous Waste Constituent” Definition - Improves New Mexico’s regulatory authority over PFAS waste in our communities by empowering the state to take corrective action with the U.S. Department of Defense to address this toxic waste. Sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 212: PFAS Protection Act - Creates a framework to remove goods containing PFAS, synthetic “forever chemicals” that cause serious health concerns, from sale in the state. Sponsored by Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Debra Sariñana (D-Albuquerque), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque) and Sens. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

• HB 361: EMNRD Conversion Of Certain Wells - Cleans up and repurposes depleted oil and gas wells across New Mexico, by authorizing the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) to utilize these wells for energy storage or geothermal energy development. If no other uses are found viable, the wells would be plugged. Sponsored by Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe)

Wildfire Preparation & Response

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Provides $50 million to help communities recover from fires and floods, and $1.24 million for hot shot fire crews, watershed management, and forest restoration. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• *HB 191: Wildfire Suppression & Preparedness Funds - Would have increased resources for wildfire preparation and response, including creating a sustainable funding source to support wildfire control and suppression efforts. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 33: Wildfire Prepared Act - Provides grants to help communities mitigate their properties against wildfire damage and spread. Sponsored by Reps. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas), and Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso Downs), and Senator Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife

• *SB 5: Game Commission Reform - Implements reforms to better support outdoor recreation and wildlife management, expanding the Department of Game and Fish to protect all wildlife and expanding the voices represented on the State Game Commission. *This bill was partially vetoed by the Governor, with core elements remaining intact. Sponsored by Reps. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), and Senators Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas), Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)

• *HB 219: Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park - Would have established New Mexico’s 36th state park, near the popular slot canyon hiking trail outside of Las Cruces. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Reps. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) and Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), and Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)

Animal Welfare

• HB 113: Animal Welfare Program And Trust Fund - Creates a program to support the welfare of domestic cats and dogs, including grants to repair, renovate, or open animal shelters, control loose or stray cats and dogs, provide spay and neuter services, and enforce animal cruelty laws. Eight sponsors including Rep. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde), and Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces)

Education & Child Well-Being

House Democrats continued significant investments in cradle-to-career education and made critical reforms to the state’s child welfare system to protect the well-being of all children.

Child Well-Being

• HB 5: Office of the Child Advocate - Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate, an independent office to investigate and resolve complaints related to children’s services at the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), and inform the state leaders and the public about opportunities for improvement.

  Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena)

• SB 42: Comprehensive Addiction And Recovery Program - An omnibus CYFD reform bill that improves accountability and oversight for how the state responds to infants born to parents struggling with addiction.

  Sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque), House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Senators Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe), Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

  • The final bill also incorporated HB 203: Use of State Devices for CYFD Business, requiring CYFD workers to retain all electronic records, so if a child is harmed, processes can be reviewed and potentially improved going forward. Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque) and Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 283: CYFD & Use of Federal Benefits - Ensures that children in the care of CYFD receive their full federal benefits.
  Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), Crystal Brantley (D-Elephant Butte), Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), Nicole Tobiassen (D-Albuquerque), and Steve Lanier (R-Aztec)

Early Childhood Education & Care

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Increases funding to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department by $170 million, or 21.6%, to greatly expand pre-K programs, childcare assistance, services to children with disabilities and their families, and home visiting. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 71: Early Childhood Ed & Care Fund Transfers - Expands childcare assistance, pre-K, and maternal health initiatives, and uplifts our childcare workforce by increasing the annual distribution from the Early Childhood Trust Fund to these programs. Sponsored by Reps. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces) and D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock)

• SB 175: Child Care Facility Loan Fund Changes - Provides loans to childcare facilities looking to open or expand in areas of greatest need. Sponsored by Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe) and Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque)

Parent & Caregiver Support

• *HB 14: Earned Income Tax Credit - Would have provided tax credits for foster parents and guardians.

  *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 252: Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program - Creates a three-year pilot program to provide financial and legal support to grandparents and other relatives raising children of a family member.

  24 sponsors including Reps. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo), Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To’hajiilee), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)

• SB 417: Confirmatory Adoptions - Streamlines the adoption process for children conceived through assisted reproductive methods. Sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Leo Jaramillo (D-Española) and Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces)

Public Education

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act  

  • Allocates $4.7 billion in recurring funding for public education, a 6% increase.

  • Provides a 4% salary increase for public school teachers and staff, and raises minimum teacher salaries by $5,000 per license level.

  • Increases employee benefits funds so teachers can keep more of what they earn.

  • Increases school funding by $76 million to support students in 6th -12th grade.

  • Provides funding to improve school facilities, and funds the teacher loan repayment program, to retain and attract educators.

    Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 63: Public School Funding Formula Changes - Updates New Mexico’s public school funding formula to allow for adjustments based on poverty levels in the district. Sponsored by Rep. G. Andrés Romero (D-Albuquerque) and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 54: Defibrillators in Every High School - Requires all schools in the state to have an external heart defibrillator, along with cardiac response plans and trained staff. Sponsored by Reps. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas)

• HB 532: Student Water Safety Guidance - Requires all schools to provide water safety guidance at the start of each school year to help prevent drowning deaths and injuries. Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde)
  

Good Government & Transparency

Democratic lawmakers fought to enhance the transparency and accessibility of our state government to encourage civic participation, improve access to information, and better serve the people of our state.

• HJR 2: Eliminate Pocket Vetoes - Allows voters to decide whether to remove the Governor’s ability to pocket veto, which occurs when bills not acted upon by their signing deadline are automatically vetoed without explanation.

  Sponsored by Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), and Senator Pat Woods (R-Broadview)

• SB 16: Non-Major Party Voters In Primary Elections - Allows New Mexicans not affiliated with any major political party to vote in primary elections without changing their registration.

  Sponsored by Reps. Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), Senator Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), and Senator Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque)

• *HB 143: Lobbying Activity Reports - Would have increased lobbying transparency by requiring lobbyists to disclose the legislation they’re seeking to influence and what clients are funding their work. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces) and Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces)

Economic Development & Infrastructure

House Democrats championed forward-thinking policies to grow and diversify New Mexico’s economy, while creating jobs and opportunity and building a stronger, more resilient economy.

Support for Local Businesses

• HB 10: RLD Cannabis Enforcement - Establishes an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division to investigate criminal violations of state cannabis laws, to protect consumers and ensure that reputable businesses can thrive.

  10 Sponsors including Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Reps. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) and Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 368: High Wage Jobs Tax Credit “Threshold Job” - Makes technical updates to better administer the tax credit for businesses who provide high-wage jobs in the state.

  Sponsored by Reps. Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho) and Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena)

Economic Growth

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Redistributes funding for the Economic Development Department to increase focus on economic diversification initiatives. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• HB 19: Trade Ports Development Act - Creates “trade port districts” across New Mexico to facilitate interstate and international trade, while improving local infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening regional economies.

  11 sponsors including Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup), House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Caucus Chair Ray Lara (D-Chamberino), and Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) and Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque)

• HB 20: Technology & Innovation Division - Invests in technology development and innovation by providing early-stage capital and financial support to startups, research initiatives, and emerging technologies, supported by $25 million in the state budget.

  Seven sponsors including Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), and Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 169: Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness - Attracts businesses and jobs to the state by creating a Site Readiness Fund to identify ideal business locations and assist with development, allowing companies to easily open or expand in New Mexico, supported by $24 million in the state budget. 

  Sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), and Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio-Rancho), Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho)

Infrastructure

• HB 2: General Appropriations Act - Allocates $65 million for road maintenance across New Mexico and $12 million for rural air service statewide. Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces)

• SB 73: Require Bicycle Stops for Safety - Updates traffic rules for bicyclists. Sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque)

Rights & Protections

Democrats also put our values into action with legislation to safeguard the rights of all of our communities, preserve our cultural traditions, and protect our people.

Cultural & Educational Protections

• SB 163: Tribal Regalia At School Events - Protects the right of Native American students to wear tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to graduation ceremonies and school events. Sponsored by Reps. D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock) and Michelle Paulene Abeyta  (D-To'hajiilee), and Senators Benny Shendo, Jr. (D-Jemez Pueblo), Angel Charley (D-Acoma), and Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo)

• HB 487: Protection of Hispanic Education - Expands New Mexico’s Hispanic Education Act to include protecting and preserving Spanish language and culture. Sponsored by Reps. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Tanya Mirabal Moya (R-Valencia), and Senator Linda López (D-Albuquerque)

• *HB 64: Expand Post-Secondary Tuition Eligibility - Would have prohibited higher education institutions from denying admission to a student based on immigration status. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque), Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe)

• HB 281: Hair Braiding Licensure - Allows hair braiders and those who specialize in dreadlocks to practice without a cosmetology license, recognizing the cultural significance of the specialties and removing costly and inapplicable requirements. Sponsored by Reps. Janelle Anyanonu D-Albuquerque), Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque)

Personal Safety & Privacy

• SB 36: Sensitive Personal Information Nondisclosure - Prohibits state employees from disclosing sensitive personal information about New Mexicans to anyone outside of their agency. Protected information includes sexual orientation, gender identity, medical conditions, disabilities, immigration status, national origin, and religion. Sponsored by Reps. Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque) and Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque), and Senators Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos)

• HB 197: Expand “Silver Alert” Definition - Allows Silver Alerts to be issued for anyone over the age of 50 who displays signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, cognitive decline, or impairment. Sponsored by Reps. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde) and Elaine Sena Cortez (R-Hobbs)

• *HB 120: Accessibility of State Agencies - Would have improved access to state agencies by requiring websites and facilities to comply with accessibility standards. *Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. Sponsored by Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque)