Legislation protects housing affordability and expunges eviction records after five years

Santa Fe, N.M. – Two measures to protect the rights of renters in New Mexico are now headed to the House Floor after passing the House Judiciary Committee today.

House Bill 215, which passed by a vote of 6-4, prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to unfairly manipulate rent prices. Renters harmed by violations of this policy would have the right to seek legal recourse. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) and Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces).

"Far too many renters are already forced to make impossible decisions about whether to pay their rent or keep food on the table because of skyrocketing costs," said HB 215 sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). "By prohibiting unfair rent manipulation that drives prices even higher, we can put the well-being of everyday New Mexicans over the profits of wealthy, out-of-state companies."

House Bill 98, which passed the committee by a vote of 5-4, would expunge a renter's eviction record after five years. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock).

"One rough patch should not lead to a lifetime without access to secure, stable housing," said Rep. Anyanonu. "House Bill 98 provides a clean slate for renters after five years, so that once they get back on their feet, they can rebuild their credit and fairly compete for rental opportunities."

Both of these bills are part of a slate of legislation that House Democrats have introduced this session to address the rising cost of living by helping to raise pay and strengthen benefits for working people, protect consumers from corporate greed, and lower the costs of essentials, like housing, healthcare, and groceries.

A non-comprehensive list of other affordability legislation introduced by House Democrats so far includes:

Raising minimum pay for school staff (HB 201) and workers on publicly-supported projects (HB 6)
Stopping employers from taking credit card fees out of the wages of tipped workers (HB 22)
Eliminate unfair pricing by ticket resellers (HB 26)
Establishing a commission to study and make recommendations on how to reduce grocery store prices and improve local supply chain issues (HB 17)
Prohibiting grocery and retail stores from using so-called "dynamic" pricing to gouge consumers (HB 285)
Protecting renters from discrimination (HB 43, 339)
Improving healthcare access and price transparency (HB 186, 263)
Provide free high school equivalency testing and preparatory services (HB 167)

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.