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HB 61,
HB 82 |
Extend Solar Market Tax Credit more
Summary: These bills would have reinstated and extended the tax credit for residential and commercial construction of solar systems. These bills provided for gradually phasing out of the tax credit over 8 years and established an aggregate cap. This tax credit has helped many New Mexicans invest in solar energy for their homes, businesses and farms, improving the environment and public health by reducing the demand for coal-fired electricity.
Outcome: HB 61 died in the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee. HB 82 was combined with HB 61.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 73 |
Public Officials as Lobbyists more
Summary: HB 73 prohibited statewide elected officials, PRC members, former legislators and cabinet secretaries from accepting compensation as lobbyists for two years after public service.
Outcome: HB 73 died on the Senate floor calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 144,
HB 154,
HB 280 |
Industrial Hemp Research Rules more
Summary: These bills would have allowed the NM Department of Agriculture to issue licenses to permit growing industrial hemp for research and development purposes. Industrial hemp is a versatile, fast growing and drought resistant crop that requires little pesticides or herbicides and would serve to diversify New Mexico farmers' cash crops.
Outcome: HB 144, which was combined with HB 154 and HB 280, passed the House (42-26) and Senate (30-12) and was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 166 |
Exempt Hemp from Controlled Substances more
Summary: HB 166 would have exempted industrial hemp from the definition of "marijuana" in the Controlled Substances Act. This was an enabling bill for HB 154.
Outcome: HB 166 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 193 |
Solar Market Tax Credit Permanent more
Summary: HB 193 would have made the tax credit for installing solar systems permanent and combined photovoltaic and thermal under a single aggregate cap. The bill also introduced the solar market development corporate income tax credit and specified a larger, $20 million cap for it. In addition, HB 193 provided an increased credit for low income households.
Outcome: HB 193 died in the House Business and Industry Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 254 |
Game Commission Legislative Appointments more
Summary: HB 254 would have revised the way members of the Game Commission are appointed. In doing so, it would have reduced the effect of politics on appointments and increased the role of science based decision making.
Outcome: HB 254 died in the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 272 |
Import & Sale of Firewood more
Summary: HB 272 would have prohibited the import and sale of firewood from other states unless the firewood was treated in a manner prescribed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. This would help prevent wood-borne pests or diseases entering NM from other states.
Outcome: HB 272 died in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 292 |
No State Land for Border Wall more
Summary: This bill would have prohibited a border wall from being built on state land between New Mexico and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. A border wall would be detrimental to the migration of land-based wildlife in the border region. There are ESA listed species of concern that would be impacted, e.g., jaguars.
Outcome: HB 292 died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 338 |
Community Solar Gardens Act more
Summary: This bill would have allowed renters, low-income utility customers and persons without suitable locations for solar generation on their premises to participate in local solar generation facilities by allowing individuals to buy a portion of a community solar installation or "solar garden". This would have stimulated the adoption of solar energy generation by more New Mexicans by making it more accessible to more New Mexicans and reducing our dependence on coal and nuclear fueled energy.
Outcome: HB 338 failed to pass the House (31-34).
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 400 |
Recovery of Renewable Energy Costs more
Summary: HB 400 would have amended sections of the Renewable Energy Act to delete the reasonable cost threshold (RCT) as a method for determining recovery of costs for meeting renewable energy portfolios (RPS) standards. The RCT was conceived as an extra layer of security to protect consumers from price hikes associated with RPS implementation. It's unnecessary, outdated, over-complicated, and acts as a tool for utilities to avoid compliance with the RPS. removing this threshold would have made it easier for both the Public Regulation Commission and utilities to develop plans allowing them to comply with the RPS in the most economically reasonable manner.
Outcome: HB 400 died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 489 |
Exclude Greenfield Areas from TIDD Act more
Summary: HB 489 would have disallowed the use of Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs) for development of undeveloped "greenfield" land – land in pristine condition that has not been developed. The use of TIDDs to finance sprawl type developments, which use additional water and remove native habitat, among other environmental impacts, should be curtailed.
Outcome: HB 489 died in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HJR 3 |
Independent Redistricting Commission, CA more
Summary: This resolution would have provided for the creation of an independent redistricting commission to develop redistricting plans for state and congressional offices, providing for a largely bipartisan commission. Reducing the impact of gerrymandering would improve the responsiveness of elected officials to their constituents, allowing them to more accurately represent conservation values.
Outcome: HJR 3 died in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HJR 8 |
State Ethics Commission, CA more
Summary: HJR 8 will create an independent ethics commission authorized to investigate, issue opinions and adjudicate violations of laws governing standards of conduct of members of the legislative and executive branch, employees, contractors and lobbyists. A strong ethical oversight body will help to ensure that legislators are transparently representing the conservation values of their constituents.
Outcome: HJR 8 passed the House (66-0) and the Senate (30-9). The measure will now be decided by the voters in the next general election.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 6 |
Industrial Hemp Research Rules more
Summary: This bill would have allowed the NM Department of Agriculture to issue licenses to permit growing industrial hemp for research and development purposes. Industrial hemp is a versatile, fast growing and drought resistant crop that requires little pesticides or herbicides and would serve to diversify New Mexico farmers' cash crops.
Outcome: SB 6 passed the Senate (37-2) and House (58-8) and was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 81 |
Wildlife Trafficking Act more
Summary: SB 81 makes trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction a crime and establishes penalties. This will help preserve endangered species and also keep money out of the hands of international criminals.
Outcome: SB 81 passed the Senate (27-12) and the House (42-24). The bill was pocket vetoed (not signed by April 7, 2017) by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 86 |
Water Rights Notices Posted Online more
Summary: SB 86 requires the state engineer to post water rights applications on its website, encouraging more transparency in water rights assignments.
Outcome: SB 86 passed the Senate (40-0) and the House (59-0). The bill was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 227 |
State Facility Renewable Energy Use more
Summary: SB 227 requires the General Services Department to adopt rules for and issue requests for proposals (RFP) to analyze and implement renewable energy improvements for state facilities.
Outcome: SB 227 passed the Senate (36-4) and the House (44-19). The bill was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 87 |
Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit more
Summary: HB 87 would have allowed taxpayers to take up to a 10% tax credit for installing thermal or photovoltaic solar systems, for both residential and business installations. It established a $5 million aggregate cap for the amount of tax credits taken in a year, but did not separate out residential and business installations. It was simpler than HB 36, but would have accomplished the same goal of promoting the use of renewable energy.
Outcome: HB 87 died in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. Its companion, SB 79, passed both the House and the Senate.
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Support |
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2018 |
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HB 98 |
Local Election Act more
Summary: HB 98 proposes scheduling changes to elections so that local elections occur at the same time as general elections. It also makes provisions for certain elections to be conducted by mail ballot and prohibits advisory-only questions on ballots. Having all elections scheduled together would most likely result in higher turnout for local elections, resulting in more accurate representation of voters’ support for conservation issues.
Outcome: HB 98 passed the House 51-10 and passed the Senate 25-15. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 7, 2018.
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Support |
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2018 |
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SB 79 |
Solar Market Development Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 79 would have allowed taxpayers to take up to a 10% tax credit for installing thermal or photovoltaic solar systems, for both residential and business installations. It established a $5 million aggregate cap for the amount of tax credits taken in a year, but did not separate out residential and business installations. It was simpler than HB 36, and would have accomplished the same goal of promoting the use of renewable energy.
Outcome: SB 79 passed the Senate 35-6 and passed the House 40-26. The bill was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2018 |
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SB 189 |
Assurance for Plugging Oil & Gas Wells more
Summary: SB 189 increases the cap of the amount of the surety bond a company must post for the plugging of an inactive oil or gas well from $50,000 to $250,000. This increased amount is more in line with the cost of plugging a well and remediating a plugged well that leaks, blows out or otherwise fails.
Outcome: SB 189 passed the Senate 40-0 and passed the House 54-11. The bill was signed by the Governor on February 28, 2018.
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Support |
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2018 |
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HB 28 |
Resource Sustainability and Security Act more
Summary: HB 28 would have created a sustainability and resilience council that would have developed a government wide plan to (a) ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of New Mexico and its infrastructure and resources; (b) prepare the state for climate change; (c) reduce the vulnerability of natural and built systems, economic sectors, natural resources and communities to risk; (d) promote long-term water and energy resource security; and (e) support state economic development and diversification. The council would have provided guidance to state agencies and worked with stakeholders in creating agency plans and accomplishing the goals of the plan.
Outcome: HB 28 passed the House 40-23 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 210 |
Community Solar Act more
Summary: HB 210 (and its companion SB 281) established rules for community solar facilities and specifically reserved a portion of shares for low-income customers. The bills would have allowed renters, low-income utility customers and persons without suitable locations for solar generation on their premises to participate in local solar generation facilities by allowing subscription in community solar generation. This would have stimulated the growth of the solar industry and expanded the number of New Mexicans who have access to solar energy.
Outcome: HB 210 passed the House 42-25 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died on the calendar of the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 281 died in the Senate Conservation Committee (never heard).
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 263 |
State Game Commission Changes more
Summary: HB 263 established requirements and qualifications for the members of the State Game Commission to lessen the politicization of the commission and established professional qualifications for four of the seven members.
Outcome: HB 263 passed the House 45-20 but was tabled and died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 287 |
No Use of State Resources for Border Wall more
Summary: HB 287 would have prohibited the use of state trust lands or state financial resources to build a border barrier, exempting barriers that would prevent the movement of livestock. A border barrier would have extreme impact on the movement of wildlife and would be prohibitively expensive to the state to fund any aspect of its construction.
Outcome: HB 287 passed the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee and died on the House Calendar.
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Support |
E |
2019 |
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HB 289 |
Fund Investment in Renewable Energy more
Summary: HB 289 provided that no less than one percent of the market value of the severance tax permanent fund be invested in New Mexico renewable energy.
Outcome: HB 289 passed the House 43-19 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died on the Senate Finance Committee calendar.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 291 |
Efficient Use of Energy Act Changes more
Summary: HB 291 establishes thresholds for energy efficiency programs which, at minimum, save 5% of energy costs to customers. The bill also provides for the removal of regulatory disincentives to energy efficiency programs.
Outcome: HB 291 passed the House 58-7 and passed the Senate 27-13. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 398 |
Oil, Gas and Vented Gas Royalties more
Summary: HB 398 (and its companion SB 500) established a threshold over which oil and gas production is taxed at one fourth percent. The bill also established that vented and flared gas was subject to royalties.
Outcome: HB 398 was tabled and died in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. SB 500 received a do pass in the Senate Conservation Committee, but the committee report was not filed and the bill was not referred to the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 440 |
Solar Energy Improvement Assessments more
Summary: HB 440 provides that a customer may voluntarily request a solar energy improvement special assessment be applied to their property in order to access the benefits of solar technology. The bill provides that these assessments may be applied on residential or commercial property within the boundaries of an incorporated municipality in a county if the municipality adopts a resolution approving the application of the county’s ordinance.
Outcome: HB 440 passed the House 35-28 and passed the Senate 31-8. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 28, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 521 |
PRC Application for Vehicle Electricity more
Summary: HB 521 requires public utilities to file applications to expand transportation electrification, i.e., charging facilities for electric vehicles. HB 521 makes rules for the approval of these applications, including the facilities' ability to meet clean air standards and inclusion of low-income people and communities.
Outcome: HB 521 passed the House 45-17 and passed the Senate 22-12. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 76 |
Prohibit Coyote Killing Contests more
Summary: SB 76 prohibits organized or sponsored competitions with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.
Outcome: SB 76 passed the Senate 22-17 and passed the House 37-30. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 2, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 462 |
Create Outdoor Recreation Division more
Summary: SB 462 creates a division of outdoor recreation in the Economic Development Department. It establishes that the Outdoor Recreation Division will (1) increase outdoor recreation-based economic development, tourism and ecotourism; (2) work to expand outdoor recreation infrastructure; (3) assist in the promotion and marketing of outdoor recreation opportunities and events; (4) assist New Mexico residents in establishing outdoor recreation-based businesses and connecting them with economic development resources and opportunities; (5) recruit out-of-state based outdoor recreation businesses to locate in New Mexico; (6) promote stewardship and preservation of New Mexico's unique environment and cultural assets; (7) promote education and use of outdoor recreation assets to enhance public health; and (8) support outdoor recreation programs at New Mexico educational institutions. The bill also establishes the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee, the Special Projects and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund and the Outdoor Equity Grant Program and Fund.
Outcome: SB 462 passed the Senate 38-0 and passed the House 52-14. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 2, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 489 |
Energy Transition Act more
Summary: SB 489 sets a statewide renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 for New Mexico investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives and a goal of 80% by 2040 that investor-owned utilities must meet, subject to cost and reliability considerations. In addition, the bill sets zero-carbon resources standards for investor-owned utilities by 2045 and rural electric cooperatives by 2050. The bill establishes a pathway for an energy transition in the Four Corners area while providing relief to workers in San Juan County affected by the closure of coal units. The bill provides for training for these workers and uses low-interest bonds to finance economic relief for communities dealing with closures and directs that replacement power, including renewables, be developed in San Juan County as a means of restoring the community’s tax base.
Outcome: SB 489 passed the Senate 32-9 and passed the House 43-22. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 22, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 4 |
Voting Rights Protections more
Summary: Sweeping reforms to increase access to the ballot for New Mexicans
Outcome: HB 4 passed through the House 41-26 and the Senate 27-14; signed by the Governor on March 30, 2023.
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Support |
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2023 |
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HB 184 |
State Game Commission Changes more
Summary: Updates the Game Commission to make it more stable and less politically volatile
Outcome: HB 184 passed through the House 45-21 and the Senate 34-2; not signed by the Governor and therefore pocket vetoed.
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Support |
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2023 |
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HJR 8 |
Legislative Salaries, CA more
Summary: Would have created a commission to study and recommend legislative salaries
Outcome: HJR 8 passed the House 40-24 and Senate Rules Committee, but died waiting to be scheduled in Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2023 |
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SB 9 |
Create Legacy Permanent Funds more
Summary: Created permanent funding for key state conservation programs
Outcome: SB 9 passed through the Senate 33-7 and the House 54-11; signed by the Governor on March 23, 2023.
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Support |
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2023 |
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SB 9/a |
Create Legacy Permanent Funds, floor amendment more
Summary: Would have unduly limited funding for state conservation programs
Outcome: SB9/a failed on the house floor 34-30.
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Support |
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2023 |
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SB 53 |
Storage of Certain Radioactive Waste more
Summary: Prohibits establishments of nuclear waste storage in NM without state consent
Outcome: SB 53 passed through the Senate 21-13 and House 35-28; signed by the Governor on March 17, 2023.
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Support |
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2023 |
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HB 48/SB 24 |
Oil and Gas Royalty Rate more
Summary: Would have increased the maximum oil and gas royalty rate that the State Land Office could charge from 20% to 25%
Outcome: SB 24/HB 48 passed the House by a vote of 39-28, but died waiting to be scheduled in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2024 |
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SB 5 |
Firearms Near Polling Places more
Summary: Improves safety at the polls by making it a petty misdemeanor for New Mexicans without a concealed carry permit to bring a firearm within 100 feet of a polling location and within 50 feet of a ballot drop box
Outcome: SB 5 passed the Senate by a vote of 26-16 and the House by 35-34, and was signed into law by the Governor on March 4.
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Support |
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2024 |
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HB 9 |
Immigrant Safety Act more
Summary: HB 9: Immigrant Safety Act – aimed to eliminate safety oversight loopholes exploited by ICE that can lead to human rights violations against undocumented immigrants who are often fleeing the impacts of climate change. HB 9 died waiting to be heard in Senate Judiciary.
Outcome: HB 9 passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, but died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
E |
2025 |
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HB 91 |
Public Utility Rate Structures more
Summary: HB 91: Public Utility Rate Structure - allows investor-owned utilities (like PNM) to provide New Mexico’s most vulnerable residents with lower electric and gas bills.
Outcome: HB 91 passed the House 42-25, then passed the Senate 26-16, and was signed into law by the Governor
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Support |
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2025 |
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SB 5 |
Game Commission Reform more
Summary: SB 5: Department of Game & Fish Modernization - updates and modernizes the Department of Game and Fish, as well as the Game & Fish Commission, it reforms it into the Department of Wildlife with an updated mission and scope of work. SB 5 received a partial veto from the Governor striking the Game Commissioner removal process. All other aspects were signed into law.
Outcome: SB 5 passed the Senate 37-5, then passed the House 44-23, and was partially vetoed and signed into law by the Governor
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Support |
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2025 |
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SB 21 |
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act more
Summary: SB 21: Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act - protects the state’s waters by authorizing key components of a state permitting program for waters no longer protected by the federal Clean Water Act. This bill also transfers water pollution prevention permitting to New Mexico that is currently done by the EPA for waters still federally protected. SB 21 passed and has been signed by the Governor.
Outcome: SB 21 passed the Senate 25-16, and passed the House 43-25. It was signed into law by the Governor.
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Support |
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2025 |
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SB 23 |
Oil & Gas Royalty Rate Changes more
Summary: SB 23: Oil & Gas Royalty Rate Changes - updates the royalty rate with a range of 20% to 25% for productive state trust land leases in southeastern New Mexico, potentially generating $50 to $84 million annually. SB 23 passed and has been signed by the Governor.
Outcome: SB 23 passed the Senate 21-15, and passed the House 37-31. It was signed into law by the Governor.
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Support |
E |
2025 |
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SB 36 |
Sensitive Personal Information Nondisclosure more
Summary: SB 36: Sensitive Personal Information Nondisclosure - protects all New Mexicans’ personal and sensitive information from misuse by government employees.
Outcome: SB 36 passed the Senate 26-14, then passed the House 42-23, and was signed into law by the Governor
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Support |
E |
2025 |
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SB 37 |
Strategic Water Reserve more
Summary: SB 37: Strategic Water Reserve - helps keep water in streams for two new specific purposes to support instream flows and recreational, cultural and habitat uses. SB 37 passed and has been signed by the Governor.
Outcome: SB 37 passed the Senate 25-15, and passed the House 42-20. It was signed into law by the Governor.
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Support |
E |
2025 |
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SB 48 |
Community Benefit Act more
Summary: SB 48: Community Benefit Fund - establishes the Community Benefit Fund to invest $340 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change and provides renewable energy resources. SB 48 passed and has been signed by the Governor.
Outcome: SB 48 passed the Senate 23-15, and passed the House 39-26. It was signed into law by the Governor.
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Support |
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2025 |
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HB 161 |
Agriculture & Vegetable Seed Law Preemption more
Summary: HB 161 would have prohibited local governments from creating and enforcing ordinances affecting agricultural or vegetable seeds (state preemption). This would have removed local control of agricultural products and interfered with culturally significant agricultural practices.
Outcome: HB 161 died in the House State Government, Indian and Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
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Oppose |
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2018 |
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HB 373 |
New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity more
Summary: HB 373 would have created the New Mexico Central Arizona Project entity, along the same boundaries of Catron, Hidalgo, Luna and Grant counties. It would have given the entity authority to plan, design, build, operate and maintain the New Mexico unit of the Central Arizona Project water projects and would have given it bonding authority. This would have helped reinforce the authority of the NM Cap Entity, thereby creating a more robust (and potentially un-needed) agency to carry out an underfunded, unnecessary and unpopular diversion project on the Gila River, even though it would not have had the authority to plan it independently.
Outcome: HB 373 was tabled and died in the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Oppose |
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2019 |
