This category will include items sent to the Beat from the 2024 NM Legislative session. 

House Passes Workforce Development Fund

The new trust fund would support apprenticeship & training programs for in-demand trades, building up New Mexico’s workforce

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 5, which would create the Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Trust Fund, with a strong bipartisan vote of 63-5. 

The Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Trust Fund would support training and apprenticeship programs to train New Mexicans for good-paying jobs in in-demand trades. HB 5 appropriates $30 million from the general fund to the newly created trust to fund existing apprenticeship and training programs throughout the state.

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House Passes Clean Fuel Bill

The Clean Transportation Fuel Standard would reduce the carbon footprint
of fossil fuel production while strengthening the economy 

Santa Fe, N.M. - A bill to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuels in New Mexico passed the House floor today by a vote of 36-33.  

House Bill 41, New Mexico’s Clean Transportation Fuel Standard, would establish benchmarks to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 20% before 2030 and by 30% before 2040. The bill would also incentivize the production of lower-emission fuels by offering credits to producers. Fuel producers could buy and sell these credits, creating a market that would strengthen the state’s economy. 

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Senator Pat Woods Issues Statement

Senator Pat Woods Issues Statement Following Advancement of Bill to Support Rural Hospitals

SANTA FE—Today, the Senate Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 161, sponsored bySenator Pat Woods (R-Broadview), with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill provides a lifeline to rural hospitals that offer emergency services, several of which are facing closure due to the increased burdens of medical malpractice, a lack of providers, and a bevy of other issues. 

Senator Woods issued the following statement regarding the advancement of his bill:

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Senator Bill Sharer and Senator Crystal Brantley Issue Statement

Senator Bill Sharer and Senator Crystal Brantley Issue Statement on Advancement of PFML Tax

Legislation will raise taxes on New Mexico employees and employers 

SANTA FE—Today, the Senate Finance Committee advanced the Paid Family Medical Leave Act on a vote of 6-5 with all Senate Republicans voting against the measure. The bill would impose a mandatory tax on every New Mexico business with five or more employees and an additional tax on the employees’ paychecks. Contributions would feed a state fund to pay out up to 12 weeks of paid leave. 

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Firearm Waiting Period Passes House

Legislation would prevent gun violence by implementing a seven-day cooling off period between firearm purchase and acquisition

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives approved common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence by instituting a seven-day waiting period between when an individual purchases and takes ownership of a firearm. House Bill 129 passed the House today with a vote of 37-33, and will now move to the Senate. 

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Senator Craig Brandt Applauds Passage of Law Enforcement Recruitment Bill

Senate Bill 87 will allow experienced police officers, first responders, and corrections officers to return to work 

SANTA FE—Today, Senate Republican Whip, Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) passed Senate Bill 87 in the Senate on a bipartisan 33-3 vote. Senate Bill 87 would allow certain retired state employees to return to work, including police officers, first responders, and corrections officers.

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House Passes Bipartisan $10.1 Billion State Budget

Lawmakers use record state revenues to make significant investments that will make a difference for New Mexicans today and for generations to come 

Santa Fe, NM - Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed House Bill 2, the General Appropriations Act, with a strong bipartisan vote of 53-16. The state budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 totals $10.18 billion, up 6.5% from last year, while maintaining a robust 32% reserve. 

We are at a unique moment in New Mexico’s history,” said House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC) Chair, Representative Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces). “Thanks to recent work stabilizing state revenues, we are less fearful about future economic downturns and more focused on investments that create greater opportunities, stronger communities, and a more diverse, sustainable economy for all New Mexicans.”

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House Republicans Introduce Women’s Bill of Rights,

House Republicans Introduce Women’s Bill of Rights, Urge House Democrats and Governor Lujan Grisham To Stand With Women

Riley Gains, a former competitive swimmer and staunch advocate for women’s spaces, will visit the Roundhouse in early February to co-host a press conference with the bill’s sponsors and other pro-women groups to discuss the importance of women’s rights.

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico State Representative Andrea Reeb today announced the introduction of Independent Women’s Voice’s (IWV) Women’s Bill of Rights (WBOR). HB 205 will codify the common sense understanding of the words “male” and “female” when used in law and will help protect single-sex spaces, such as rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, prisons, athletic teams, locker rooms, and sororities.

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