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HB 41 |
Clean Transportation Fuel Standards more
Summary: Establishes a market for alternative fuels to reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector
Outcome: HB 41 passed through the House by a vote of 36-33 and through the Senate 26-15. It was signed into law by the Governor on March 5, 2024.
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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 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 |
E |
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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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 |
E |
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 |
E |
2023 |
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SB 56 |
Distributed Generation Facility Supply Cap more
Summary: Would have raised the cap on solar energy generation for households to account for increasing use of EVs and electric appliances
Outcome: SB 56 passed the Senate 25-10, but was tabled in House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Support |
E |
2023 |
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SB 439 |
Leg. Approval for Certain Land Purchases more
Summary: Would have limited the state's ability to purchase land where necessary.
Outcome: SB 439 passed out of all Senate committees, but died waiting to be heard on the Senate floor.
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Oppose |
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2023 |
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HB 37 |
Community Energy Efficiency Dev Block Grant more
Summary: HB 37 creates new state grant program for low-income households, including requirements, selection criteria, administration; creates reporting requirement for public utilities related to energy efficiency efforts, due by end of 2023.
Outcome: HB 37 passed the House 44-24, and the Senate 26-14 and was signed by the Governor on February 28, 2022.
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Support |
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2022 |
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HB 164 |
Uranium Mine Cleanup more
Summary: HB 164 outlines Department of Environment duties for clean-up and reclamation of former uranium mine and mill sites; tasks other departments, offices, and agencies to collaborate (EMNRD, Indian affairs, office of natural resources trustee, state land office; depts. of fish and game, cultural affairs, health, workforce solutions, and economic development); duties include the development of a strategic plan and a mechanism for consultation and coordination with the federal government and directly impacted communities; requires annual reporting to the radioactive and hazardous materials committee and the creation of a Dept. of Environment uranium mine reclamation coordinator position; creates the uranium mining reclamation revolving fund; appropriates $350,000 general fund dollars to Dept. of Environment for FY23 for purposes outlined.
Outcome: HB 164 passed the House 64-0, and the Senate 26-0 and was signed by the Governor on March 1, 2022
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Support |
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2022 |
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SB 8 |
Voters' Rights Provisions more
Summary: SB 8 (1) Enacts digital voter registration; (2) aligns tribal polling place changes to Native American Voting Rights Act; (3) allows sixteen-year-olds to vote in local and municipal elections; (4) expands voter registration ability at DMV; (5) allows tribal government buildings to be used as tribal land residents’ voter registration mailing address; (6) allows driver’s license or state ID number to be used in addition to SSN for digital voter registration; (7)allows public sharing of eligible but unregistered voters by SOS upon request; (8-9) expands Election Day voter registration; (10) further outlines digital voter registration process; (11-12) grants voting rights to residents with past felony convictions; (13-15) repeals, replaces, and creates new programs relating to voter registration at DMV, on tribal land, at state agencies; (16-19) expands absentee voting; (20-21) makes minor changes to language on election funding and presidential electors; (22-31) enacts new Native American Voting Rights Act; (32) ensures minimum of $20M be maintained for state funding of elections; (33) makes Election Day a state holiday; (34) makes Election Day a school holiday; (35) allows residents with previous felony convictions to hold elected office; (36) repeals Sections 1-3-7.2, 1-4-5.8 and 1-6-5.8 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2021, Chapter 107, Section 1, Laws 2019, Chapter 67, Section 2 and Laws 2009, Chapter 251, Section 2, as amended); (37) sets effective date of July 1, 2022.
Outcome: SB 8 passed the Senate committees, but died on the Senate calendar.
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Support |
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2022 |
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SB 14 |
Enacting the Clean Fuel Standard Act more
Summary: SB 14 establishes a state clean fuel standard aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in NM; sets specific reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions - 20% of 2018 levels by 2030, 40% by 2040; outlines related rules NMED must implement within two years of the bill's effective date; creates a credit system and a clean fuel standard fund in order to fund the administration of the clean fuel standard.
Outcome: SB 14 passed the Senate 25-16, but failed and died on the House Floor.
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Support |
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2022 |
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SJR 8 |
Salaries for Public Officials, CA more
Summary: SJR 8 would make a Constitutional amendment to task the Senate Ethics Committee with developing salaries for all state elected officials.
Outcome: SJR 8 died waiting to be scheduled in Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
E |
2022 |
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HB 15 |
Sustainable Building Tax Credit more
Summary: HB 15 extends and expands the sustainable building tax credit and adds incentives involving LEED. The existing tax credit is applied to construction begun prior to 2021 and completed by the end of 2021.
Outcome: HB 15 passed the House 48-22 and the Senate 29-6. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 6, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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HB 51 |
Environmental Database Act more
Summary: HB 51 creates a centralized, map-based, searchable website to provide various geographic data, information on public health, wildlife status, and other interrelated environmental and energy industry data in order to enhance transparency and interagency cooperation.
Outcome: HB 51 passed the House 44-25 and the Senate 29-12. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 7, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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HB 76 |
EIB Permit Denial for Poor Performance more
Summary: HB 76 allows the Environmental Improvement Board to revoke permits for projects if companies refuse to disclose information, misrepresent material facts, have prior court convictions, operate without a permit, or have a previous revocation.
Outcome: HB 76 passed the House 42-26 and the Senate 23-15. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 6, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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HB 200 |
Water Trust Board Projects & NM Unit Fund more
Summary: HB 200 prevents NM Unit Fund monies from being used on any diversion of the Gila River and redirects funding to meet water supply demands in the southwest water planning region of New Mexico.
Outcome: HB 200 passed the House 43-24 and the Senate 26-15. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 5, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 8 |
Local Government Air Quality Regulations more
Summary: SB 8 allows state agencies and local boards to adopt rules that ensure a maximum ozone concentration of 95 percent of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone. It also allows the state to adopt rules that are stronger than current federal standards.
Outcome: SB 8 passed the Senate 23-15 and the House 39-29. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 8, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 11 |
Clean Fuel Standard Act more
Summary: SB 11 established a state clean fuel standard, and set specific reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions.
Outcome: SB 11 passed the Senate 25-14, but died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 32 |
Wildlife Conservation & Public Safety Act more
Summary: SB 32 bans the use of non-essential traps, snares and wildlife poisons on public lands in New Mexico.
Outcome: SB 32 passed the Senate 23-16 and the House 35-34. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 5, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 84 |
Community Solar Act more
Summary: SB 84 increases access to renewable energy resources by creating a subscriber-based community solar program.
Outcome: SB 84 passed the Senate 27-14 and the House 44-3. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 5, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 103 |
Restricting Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticide more
Summary: SB 103 would have reduced the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are toxic to pollinating insects like bees, by banning the use of it in certain crop production.
Outcome: SB 103 passed out of committee but failed in the Senate 18-20.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SB 112 |
Sustainable Economy Task Force more
Summary: SB 112 establishes a task force that will develop a strategic plan and identify ways to develop a sustainable economy with diversified revenues, especially for communities dependent on natural resource extraction.
Outcome: SB 112 passed the Senate 25-16 and the House 40-25. It was signed by the Governor on April 5, 2021.
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Support |
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2021 |
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SJR 3 |
Environmental Rights, CA more
Summary: SJR 3 would have created a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment for the people of New Mexico
Outcome: SJR 3 passed the Senate Rules Committee, but died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2021 |
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HB 217 |
Electric Vehicle Income Tax Credit more
Summary: HB 217 established an income tax credit for the purchase of an electric vehicle, and capped the electric vehicle value at less than $48,000 MSRP. It also established an income tax credit for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. This bill could have encouraged the sale of affordable electric vehicles and encouraged the development of vehicle charging infrastructure.
Outcome: HB 217 passed the House 40-27 and passed the Senate 23-13. The House failed to concur with the Senate amendments due to filibuster and the bill died.
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Support |
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2020 |
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SB 29 |
Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 29 reinstates and extends the tax credit for residential and commercial construction of solar systems and establishes an aggregate cap. This incentivizes installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems and utilizing renewable resources to produce energy.
Outcome: SB 29 passed the Senate 33-6 and passed the House 51-19. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 3, 2020.
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Support |
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2020 |
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SB 75 |
Wildlife Trafficking Act more
Summary: SB 75 made trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction a misdemeanor and establishes penalties and enforcement guidance.
Outcome: SB 75 passed the Senate 22-9 and passed the House 42-22. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 9, 2020.
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Support |
E |
2020 |
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SB 95 |
Radioactive Waste Consultation Task Force more
Summary: SB 95 would have made sure that private nuclear waste facilities, such as the one proposed for Lea & Eddy counties, were reviewed by the state in the same manner as federal facilities. It added a level of safeguards for high-level nuclear waste storage.
Outcome: SB 95 passed out of committee but failed to pass the Senate 15-25.
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Support |
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2020 |
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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 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 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 186 |
Oil Conservation Division Powers & Duties more
Summary: SB 186 would have allowed the Oil Conservation Division to, when responding to a violation of the Oil & Gas Act, issue a compliance order requiring compliance immediately or within a specified time period or assessing a civil penalty, or both. A compliance order may have also included a suspension or termination of the permit allegedly violated. It specified higher civil penalties for violation of the Act and specified penalties for the violation of a compliance order. It specified that a person knowingly violating the Act has committed a third degree felony. It further required the Oil Conservation Division to report on the number of violations annually.
Outcome: SB 186 died on the Senate Finance Committee calendar. However, its language and the policies it created were inserted into a House bill, which CVNM did not take a position on, and that bill passed both the House and Senate.
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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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SB 518 |
New Solar Market Development Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 518 allowed a taxpayer a tax credit for installing a solar photovoltaic or thermal system. This bill allowed a 10% credit up to $6,000 with a five year carry forward and established an aggregate cap of $10 million per year and was sunset in 2029.
Outcome: SB 518 passed the Senate 29-12 and passed the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, but died on the House Calendar.
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Support |
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2019 |
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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 54 |
Capital Outlay Project Publication more
Summary: SB 54 would have required the publishing of all capital outlay projects that are approved and appropriated funding on the legislative website, in a user-friendly format with specific details for each project. It would have allowed the public to keep track of capital outlay projects, including those that affect conservation and the environment.
Outcome: SB 54 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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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 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 291 |
Financial Disclosure for Appointees more
Summary: This bill would have required appointees to vacant elective office to file a financial disclosure with the secretary of state, resulting in greater governmental transparency.
Outcome: HB 291 died on the Senate calendar.
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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 |
A |
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 |
A |
2017 |
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SB 107 |
State Agency Post-Contract Audits more
Summary: SB 107 would have required post-contract audits of state agency contracts of $10 million or more. This would have encouraged more transparency in government and helped assure New Mexico is getting a good value for the dollar on contracted projects, including conservation projects.
Outcome: SB 107 failed on the Senate Floor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 157 |
Interstate Stream Commission Membership more
Summary: This bill would have changed the composition of the Interstate Stream Commission in order to more fairly represent communities impacted by the commission’s actions and help remove political bias.
Outcome: SB 157 died in the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 226 |
Efficient Utility Water Use more
Summary: SB 226 would have required public utilities to include water use efficiency in their integrated resource plans (IRP) in addition to other efficiencies and resources currently required to be included in the plans. It specified the analysis should include impacts to water quality.
Outcome: SB 226 died in the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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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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SB 268 |
Prohibit Coyote Killing Contests more
Summary: SB 268 would have prohibited coyote killing contests, which are defined as an organized or sponsored competition with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment. It would not have prevented the hunting of coyotes or depredation control of coyotes.
Outcome: SB 268 died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 307 |
Oil & Gas Act Powers & Penalties more
Summary: SB 307 would have re-established administrative and civil penalty authority for the Oil Conservation Division (OCD) to pursue violations of the Oil and Gas Act that result in discharge of contaminants. This authority was lost in the Marbob Energy Corp. v. N.M. Oil Conservation Comm. case. The court determined that legislature needed to give the authority to OCD to collect these penalties, and that OCD could not grant the authority to itself. This bill would have addressed a clear need in OCD’s regulatory enforcement scheme.
Outcome: SB 307 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 341 |
Session Contributions to Public Officials more
Summary: SB 341 would have prohibited contributions to the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, attorney general and commissioner of public lands and candidates for those positions during legislative sessions. It served to reduce undue influence over legislative matters, including conservation legislation.
Outcome: SB 341 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 350 |
Agricultural Land Valuations more
Summary: This bill would have allowed land owners to take land valued as agricultural land out of agricultural production and leave it as open space. The open space land then would be valued at more than the agricultural value, but not valued at the much higher developed land rate, and would not be subject to the five year tax claw back. This would have allowed land owners to preserve the land for future agricultural use should they or their successors wish to return it to production, rather than being economically forced to sell off or develop the land, thus contributing to rural sprawl.
Outcome: SB 350 died in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SJR 16 |
Appointed Three-Member PRC, CA more
Summary: SJR 16 would have amended the constitution to provide for a three member board of Public Regulation Commission (PRC) commissioners, appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate, rather than the current five member board. This would have overly politicized the make-up of the PRC.
Outcome: SJR 16 died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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Oppose |
E |
2017 |
|
HB 285 |
Tax RateDifferential For Certain Oil more
Summary: HB 285 (and its companion SB 34) would have extended a reduction in the severance tax to oil and other liquid hydrocarbons removed from natural gas at or near the wellhead produced from a qualified enhanced recovery project that involved the application of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide that is produced by human activities such as oil refining. This bill would have subsidized an extremely expensive oil and gas method at the expense of other taxpayer priorities.
Outcome: HB 285 passed the House (59-7) but died in the Senate Finance Committee. SB 34 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Oppose |
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2016 |
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HJR 9 |
Convention of States more
Summary: HJR 9 applied for a convention of states under Article V of the United States Constitution. It sought to amend the Constitution of the United States to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for Members of Congress. By limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, one possibility was that the state may have revoked the jurisdiction of the federal government over public lands, and thus gained control to manage, develop or sell public lands.
Outcome: HJR 9 passed the House (36-27), but died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Oppose |
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2016 |
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SB 34 |
Tax Rate Differential For Certain Oil more
Summary: SB 34 (and its companion HB 285) would have extended a reduction in the severance tax to oil and other liquid hydrocarbons removed from natural gas at or near the wellhead produced from a qualified enhanced recovery project that involved the application of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide that is produced by human activities such as oil refining. This bill would have subsidized an extremely expensive oil and gas method at the expense of other taxpayer priorities.
Outcome: SB 34 died in the Senate Finance Committee. HB 285 passed the House (59-7) but died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Oppose |
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2016 |
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SB 76 |
Lead in Sale of Recycled Metals Act more
Summary: SB 76 adds lead and lead-based products (such as lead-acid batteries) to the products regulated by the Recycled Metals Act. It helps to ensure that lead is disposed of in a way that minimizes its environmental impact.
Outcome: SB 76 passed the Senate (41-0) and the House (59-0). The bill was signed by the Governor on March 4, 2016.
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Support |
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2016 |
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SM 34 |
Eddy-Lea energy Alliance Storage Facility more
Summary: SM 34 (and its companion HM 40) authorizes the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance to construct a consolidated interim storage facility at its site in southeastern New Mexico for the storage of spent nuclear fuel rods from commercial (for-profit) nuclear power generation plants. This facility will pose significant risks to public health and safety both at the site of the facility and during transport of the spent fuel to the facility.
Outcome: SM 34 passed the Senate (27-10). HM 40 passed the House (50-17). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2016 |
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SB 94 |
Industrial Hemp Farming Act more
Summary: Industrial hemp is an incredibly versatile, fast-growing and drought-resistant agricultural product that requires virtually no pesticides or herbicides. It can be used to produce paper, textiles, plastics, fuel and food products, and has proven very profitable for farmers in other countries. This bill would provide for licensing of the growing, selling and processing of industrial hemp in New Mexico.
Outcome: SB 94 passed the Senate (33-8) and passed the House (54-12) but was vetoed by the Governor on April 10, 2015.
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Support |
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2015 |
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SB 219 |
Expiration of Rules more
Summary: Under current law, repeal of a rule requires an open, transparent process that includes notice and public hearings. Under SB 219, all rules on the books (except taxation rules) would have been repealed unless state agencies choose to retain them, based on an arbitrary set of subjective criteria. The effect of the bill was to deprive New Mexicans of their fundamental right to express support or opposition to the wholesale repeal of rules that govern critical functions of state government.
Outcome: SB 219 died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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SB 253 |
Prohibit & Define Coyote Killing Contest more
Summary: SB 253 prohibited contests for the purposes of coyote killing. It would have had no effect on hunting for fur or even trophies—it would simply eliminate the “contest” component, which arises when there are competitions, for example, to see who can kill the most coyotes.
Outcome: SB 253 died in the House Agriculture, Water and Wildlife Committee.
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Support |
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2015 |
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SB 391 |
Extend Solar Market Development Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 391 would extend the existing 10% tax credit for the installation of commercial, residential and agricultural solar systems, which is set to expire December 31, 2016. This 10% 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: SB 391 passed the Senate (37-5) and passed the House (39-24) but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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2015 |
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SB 467 |
Change Interstate Stream Commission Members more
Summary: SB 467 would have depoliticized water planning and management in New Mexico by limiting the number of appointments from the Governor’s office to the Interstate Stream Commission to four members and by requiring that no single political party have more than four members. Additionally, the bill required professional qualifications of appointees in water resources fields and representation by a variety of water users across the state.
Outcome: SB 467 passed the Senate (28-13) and died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2015 |
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SB 483 |
NM Federal Land Management Study Commission more
Summary: SB 483 (and its companion HB 291) would have created a 17-member commission to study the possibility of transferring federal public lands to state control. Such a study would be a waste of time and resources since any such land transfers are unconstitutional. Under the U.S. Constitution, the federal government has the authority and responsibility of managing all federal public lands. HB 291 and SB 483 attempted to violate the Constitution by promoting the transfer of federal public lands to state control.
Outcome: HB 291 died in the House Judiciary Committee. SB 483 died in the Senate Conservation Committee.
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2015 |
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Flynn |
Confirmation of Ryan Flynn as Secretary of the Environment Department more
Summary: Since he joined the Environment Department, Flynn has shown a flagrant disregard for best practices, competent management, transparency and the rule of law. Among many other concerns: 1) Flynn allowed a giant mining company to ghost-write a new rule (and the arguments in support of it) on behalf of the Environment Department. Worse, the mining company was a client of Flynn’s law firm when he was in private practice; 2) Flynn hired a new general counsel for the Environment Department who graduated from law school less than 2 years ago—clearly lacking the experience or expertise to perform the duties required of the position; and 3) Flynn led the effort to re-assign agency experts and bureau chiefs from their areas of expertise to new roles for which they had little or no experience. For example, the long-time regulator of WIPP was reassigned to food safety, the long-time head of Air Quality was reassigned to Occupational Health & Safety, and the long-time surface water quality expert was reassigned to Underground Storage Tanks. It was a cynical move to undermine the effectiveness of NMED and drive down morale. Unfortunately, it worked.
Outcome: Ryan Flynn's confirmation as Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department passed 30-11 on the Senate floor.
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2014 |
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SB 283 |
Economic Development Utility Rates more
Summary: SB 283 (and its companion HB 296) would have shifted costs for economic development utility expansion (e.g. sprawl development or industry) to other ratepayers, effectively subsidizing the expansion at the expense of small business and lower-income ratepayers. SB 283 and HB 296 were almost identical to HB 183; there were only minor differences, with the addition of an emergency clause in both HB 296 and SB 283.
Outcome: SB 283 died on the Senate calendar. HB 296 passed the House (47-17) and was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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2014 |
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SM 47 |
Study Transfer of Federal Lands to State more
Summary: This memorial would have provided funds to create a task force to study the possibility of transferring public lands to the state. The U.S. Constitution provides for the federal government to manage, maintain and control federal public lands. This task force would have attempted to violate the Constitution by usurping federal authority and transferring oversight of federal public lands to the state.
Outcome: SM 47 was defeated on a tied vote in the Senate Rules Committee.
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2014 |
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HB 40 |
Designation Of Benefit Corporations more
Summary: HB 40 is a common-sense measure that allows corporations to voluntarily designate themselves as “benefit corporations”, which gives them greater latitude of purpose than simple profit maximization. Benefit corporations can include social and environmental benefits in their purposes, and HB 40 specifies certain responsibilities for reporting and accountability. Protections in the bill ensure that individual shareholders can opt out at the time of designation and receive payment for their shares, and the bill also limits liability if the corporation fails to achieve its stated social or environmental purposes
Outcome: HB 40 passed the House (62-3) and passed the Senate (33-6) but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2013 |
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SB 163 |
Change Board & Commission Sunset Dates more
Summary: SB 163 extends seven board and commission expiration or “sunset” dates, including the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The WQCC is set to sunset on July 1, 2013. The WQCC is the only entity in New Mexico authorized to enact rules pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act or to set water quality standards. The Commission also approves variances for water quality regulations and hears appeals of water pollution permits.
Outcome: After a long and complicated fight in both chambers, efforts to sunset the WQCC in 2013 failed. If signed by the Governor, the WQCC’s expiration or “sunset” will be extended to 2019. SB 163 passed the Senate (42-0) and passed the House (63-4) and was signed by the Governor on April 4, 2013.
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2013 |
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SB 193 |
Water Quality Control Commissioners more
Summary: By law, the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) sunsets this year, and it is important that the Commission be extended, as SB 193 proposed. However, SB 193 also dramatically weakened the WQCC by altering the composition of the committee—removing much of the health and technical expertise, and stacking it towards industry-allied agencies
Outcome: SB 193 died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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2013 |
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SB 273 |
Transportation Public-Private Partnerships more
Summary: SB 273 was a sweeping measure to privatize transportation facilities that are most appropriately developed and maintained by public entities. Experiences by other governments in privatizing public services (e.g. transportation, education, public safety) have rarely been successful, usually resulting in higher costs, lower quality and expensive legal battles in the long-term. Among many concerns with this legislation was that it would exempt such transportation projects from the state procurement code, and allow government to exercise the power of eminent domain for use by private partners.
Outcome: SB 273 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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2013 |
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SB 315 |
City or County Comprehensive Plans more
Summary: New Mexico counties and municipalities lag behind their counterparts around the country in utilizing comprehensive plans to accomplish the long-term goals of their community. SB 315 provides local governments with some structure for the comprehensive planning process, and clarifies the role of a Planning Commission in crafting, approving and implementing the plan.
Outcome: SB 315 passed the Senate (32-9) and passed the House (67-0) but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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2013 |
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SB 479 |
Adequate Subdivision Water Supplies more
Summary: SB 479 protects our limited water supplies from “double dipping”. Currently, large landowners and developers can sever water rights from a property and sell them off at high market values, while constructing major subdivisions that rely entirely on domestic wells for their water supplies. Because domestic wells don’t require a water right, it’s a legal ‘loophole’ that enables double-dipping.
Outcome: SB 479 passed the Senate (35-4) and passed the House (55-13) and was signed by the Governor on April 4, 2013.
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Support |
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2013 |
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SB 480 |
Subdivision Water Permits more
Summary: SB 480 strengthens State Engineer evaluation of water availability for new subdivisions by reducing the assessment threshold from 20 parcels or more to 10 parcels or more, where any one of these parcels is less than 2 acres in size. At the same time, the bill makes subdivision water permits from the State Engineer mandatory, and prevents the State Engineer from basing a permit on water supply from domestic wells, which cumulatively may impair senior water rights holders.
Outcome: SB 480 passed the Senate (30-10) and passed the House (41-25) and was signed the Governor on April 5, 2013.
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2013 |
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SJM 26 |
Study Exporting Coal more
Summary: From toxic levels of mercury in our waterways to global warming, the consequences of using coal as an energy source are obvious. By pushing a coal export study, SJM 26 sought to offset the environmental gains of reduced reliance on coal here in the US with the potential of exporting coal—with all of its associated public health and environmental damages—to Asia. SJM 26 would have been better-suited to exploring ways to stimulate the Navajo economy outside of continued coal mining, including solar and other renewable energy development.
Outcome: SJM 26 died on the Senate calendar.
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2013 |
