Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed vital legislation to support volunteer firefighters and better protect our communities from increasing wildfire threats.

House Bill 191, which passed unanimously, increases resources for wildfire preparation and response. The bill creates a sustainable funding source to support wildfire control and suppression efforts including forest thinning, firefighting equipment and supplies, firefighter wages, emergency response and recovery efforts, and environmental rehabilitation.

"Each year, New Mexico sees more intense wildfires, devastating communities across our state," said bill sponsor Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces). "By expanding our resources, we can rapidly contain fires, deliver resources to impacted communities, and avert further damage from erosion and flooding, while proactively reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires."

HB 191 would also help the state better leverage federal reimbursement opportunities, dedicating resources to secure available grants and matching funds.

House Bill 405, which would help facilitate the work of volunteer firefighters, also passed the House today on a vote of 41-22. Under HB 405, volunteer firefighters would be entitled to up to two weeks of job-protected leave from their workplace each year to participate in firefighting service or training. The time off can be paid or unpaid, but may not be deducted from the employees earned leave or sick time.

"Rural communities like mine rely on volunteers to help fight fires at our homes and business, as well as provide vital emergency response services in our community," said lead sponsor Rep. Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas). "HB 405 ensures that these volunteers are able to take time off to serve their communities and stay up-to-date on the training needed for their life-saving, emergency response work."

Both of these bills now head to the Senate.

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.