Legislative Update Feed Bill Signed Into Law Monday Actions

House Bill 1 the bill that funds the legislative session has passed both houses and was signed into law by the Governor. House Bill 1 appropriated $68.75 million from the general fund and cash balances for legislative session expenses and to various legislative agencies for interim expenses, including fiscal year 2026 (FY26) operating budgets of the Legislative Council Service (LCS), Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC), and House and Senate chief clerk offices. Other appropriations include pre-session expenses, the legislative internship program, expenses of the Senate Rules Committee, and district office staff. The bill included an emergency clause to take effect immediately on signature by the governor. 

The votes were...

Bills of interest this week...

Game Commission bill set for hearing: A bill that would change the appointment process for the New Mexico Game Commission is among the first the Senate Rules Committee will consider.

Clean Horizons Act: A bill that seeks to meet Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is off the ground.

Committee action will take place on Monday concerning the controversial HB 11. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act in New Mexico provides eligible employees and self-employed individuals with paid leave for various family-related reasons, including bonding with a new child and caring for family members. The Act establishes the Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund, administered by the Workforce Solutions Department, which will be financed through contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. Starting January 1, 2028, eligible applicants can receive up to twelve weeks of family leave and nine weeks of medical leave within a year. The bill amends the Act to clarify eligibility requirements, the application process, and conditions for ineligibility, while also ensuring confidentiality of applicant information.

The bill further mandates that employers allow a combined total of twelve weeks of leave without reducing other entitlements and prohibits retaliation against employees exercising their rights under the Act. It establishes an advisory committee to assist in implementing the Act and outlines procedures for appealing adverse determinations regarding leave applications. Additionally, starting January 1, 2029, the bill requires an annual transfer of six million dollars from the Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund to the general fund, contingent upon future legislative appropriations.  

A discussion around HB 11 will be before the House Health & Human Services Committee
Hearing: Jan 27 @ 9:00 am in Room 307
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) PDF

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