SANTA FE — The New Mexico Legislature adjourned its 30-day session on Feb. 15 having passed much of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s legislative agenda.
However, the governor is seriously considering a special session to press for additional public safety protections that New Mexicans demand. Lawmakers approved a $10.2 billion budget for FY 2025, a 6.8% increase over current-year state spending. The Legislature passed a total of 72 bills, 48 of which were proposed or supported by the governor and state agencies. Bills backed by the governor and approved by lawmakers mak esignificant investments in New Mexico roads, parks, literacy programs, health care and more, but much work remains to be done.
“This was an incredibly successful session on many fronts, with significant investments in housing, health care, education and the environment," Lujan Grisham said. "“But more can, should, and must be done to protect New Mexicans from the scourge of violent crime. I’ll be closely evaluating the public safety legislation that was approved during the past 30 days before deciding whether to call lawmakers back to Santa Fe for a special session.”
Among the governor’s key priorities to pass are:
- SB 271: Repeat Felony Offender No-Bond Hold
- HB 129: 7-Day Firearm Waiting Period
- SB 5: Firearms Near Polling Places
- HB 236: Public Safety Return to Work
- SB 96: Increase Second-Degree and Attempted Murder Penalties
- SB 128: State Fire Retirement
- SB 175: Law Enforcement and Corrections Recruitment ($25M)
- HB 193: Law Enforcement Retention
- HB 41: Clean Fuels
- HB 177: New Mexico Match Fund ($75 million)
- SB 17: Health Care Delivery and Access Act (Hospital Assessment/Tax)
- $200 million for low-income and workforce housing and initiatives to reduce homelessness across New Mexico.
- $86 million for literacy projects, including the establishment of a new Literacy Institute to help more New Mexicans become proficient in reading and writing.
- $97 million for Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for New Mexico doctors and hospitals, including 150% increases to meet the state's maternal, children’s, primary and behavioral health needs.
- More than $1 billion for infrastructure, water and natural resources projects, including over $500 million to improve and build New Mexico roads
- $90 million for state and city parks and anti-litter and beautification projects around the state.
- $53 million for capital projects for nations, tribes, and pueblos, including $23 million from the governor’s capital fund.
- Clean Car Tax Credits, which includes $3,000 for new electric vehicles, $2,500 for used electric vehicles or new plug-in hybrids, and $2,000 for used plug-in hybrids,
- Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, which includes up to $25 million credit for the purchase of advanced manufacturing equipment to companies that qualify for the federal IRA.
