New Mexico House passes 15 bills on housing, health care and climate; memorials on Mount Taylor, Pecos watershed

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - The New Mexico House of Representatives passed 15 bills Tuesday during an extended floor session, advancing measures on housing, health care, climate policy and protections for victims of sexual abuse.

“As we enter the final stretch of the legislative session, we have some long days ahead in the People’s House,” said House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque. “We’re rolling up our sleeves to continue delivering on our promises to make our communities safer, protect the well-being of our kids and families, and make life better and more affordable for all New Mexicans.”

The bills, several receiving bipartisan support, now move to the Senate for consideration.

Climate and environmental measures

House Bill 457, the Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Act, would authorize the Oil Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to regulate carbon storage projects in New Mexico. The bill passed on a 48-15 vote.

House Bill 458, the Carbon Dioxide Storage Stewardship Act, would create a fee of 10 cents per metric ton of stored carbon dioxide, generating revenue for a long-term stewardship fund. The bill passed 51-11.

House Bill 295 would exempt property owned by the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority, including transmission lines, from property taxes. The measure passed narrowly, 38-27.

House Joint Memorial 5 calls for federal protections for the Upper Pecos watershed, citing environmental and cultural significance. It passed 52-9.

House Memorial 37 affirms Mount Taylor as a cultural property and opposes uranium mining that could harm its integrity. The memorial passed 39-23.

Housing and economic development

House Bill 469 would expand the New Mexico Border Authority’s board to improve infrastructure and economic development in border communities. It passed unanimously, 64-0.

House Bill 554 would require zoning authorities to allow accessory dwelling units, like casitas, in residential zones and multifamily housing in commercial zones. The bill passed 50-10.

House Bill 368 would update the high-wage jobs tax credit program, making technical changes to improve administration. It passed 65-0.

Public health and safety

House Bill 73 would extend the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. The measure passed unanimously, 64-0.

House Bill 87 would clarify legal definitions of nonconsensual contact, aligning state law with national standards. It passed 66-0.

House Bill 413 would allow New Mexico to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, expanding health care access by allowing physician assistants licensed in other states to practice in New Mexico. The bill passed 65-0.

House Bill 402 would streamline how dental providers are processed and reimbursed by health insurance companies. It passed 65-0.

House Bill 532 would require school districts and charter schools to provide water safety guidance to students each year. It passed 65-0.

Education

House Bill 487 would revise the Hispanic Education Act to include provisions for preserving Spanish language and culture. The measure passed 63-3.

House Bill 65 would allow local school boards and charter school governing bodies to set instructional days for students. It passed 64-0.

House Bill 67 would allow some higher education employees to receive unemployment benefits during breaks between academic terms if they had a reasonable expectation of being rehired. The bill passed 47-18.

Regulation updates

House Bill 155 would update qualifications and salary limits for the executive director of the Gaming Control Board. It passed 57-1.

Sponsors of notable legislation include:

• Reps. Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque; Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces; Jack Chatfield, R-Mosquero; and Sens. Steve Lanier, R-Aztec, and William Sharer, R-Farmington, on House Bills 457 and 458.
• Rep. Marianna Anaya, D-Albuquerque, and a bipartisan group of 20 sponsors on House Bill 73.
• House Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil, D-Albuquerque, on House Bill 87.
• Minority Leader Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, and Rep. Harlan Vincent, R-Glencoe, on House Bill 413.

The legislative session continues through March 22 as lawmakers work to finalize remaining measures.