3-21-2025 5:14am

New Mexico Gov. Signs Legislation for Veterans and Native American Communities

Chris Edwards Editor

Grisham signed SB 163 into law, ensuring students across New Mexico can freely express their cultural heritage at school ceremonies. AlamogordoTownNews.org

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has a few items requiring her signature before the session’s end on Saturday at noon. That’s because of special rules governing the timing of when bills reach her desk during session and then after.

After passage by both houses, a bill has to be copied in a process called “enrolling and engrossing” from there the legislation must be signed by House and Senate leadership and then sent to the governor.

If the bill lands on her desk 72 hours before the session ends, the governor is under a three-day clock to sign the bills.

For bills passed in the last three days (often the vast majority of legislation) the governor has until April 11, 2025 to either sign the bill into law, deny it a signature a process known or called a pocket veto or issue a outright signed veto with a rationale behind the action.

On Thursday New Mexico Governor Grisham signed into law: two bills related to veterans: House Bill 47, which enacts constitutional amendments voters approved in the 2024 general election creating property tax exemption for veterans; House Bill 161, which provides veterans residing in New Mexico free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use passes and camping passes.

Governor Grisham also signed for approval Senate Bill 283, which would require the Children, Youth and Families Department to apply for federal benefits on behalf of children in its custody.

She concluded signing with her approval of most of Senate Bill 5, which enacted a series of reforms to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, but struck a paragraph for the removal process for the State Game Commission

"Today marks an important step forward in how we honor and support our veterans in New Mexico,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Our veterans deserve meaningful support for their service and sacrifice, and I’m proud to sign legislation that provides tangible benefits to them and their families.”

House Bill 47 implements constitutional amendments approved by voters in the 2024 general election that will significantly expandproperty tax exemptions for veterans. The legislation will raise the standard veteran property tax exemption from $4,000 to $10,000 starting this year, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years. It also establishes a proportional property tax exemption for disabled veterans that matches their federal disability rating starting in 2026, rather than requiring a 100% disability rating for exemption eligibility

All local legislators voted in favor of tax breaks for veterans.

House Bill 161 provides veterans residing in New Mexico with free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use passes and camping passes for areas operated by the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Local Rep District 51 Otero County failed to vote, showing on the record "excused" for this legislation in support of Veterans. If Block felt supporting veterans was of importance he woukd have made it to the house floor to vote.

Senators Townsend and Paul approved this veteran friendly legislation...

“These new laws represent our state’s deep appreciation for the service of our veterans,” said Sec. Jamison Herrera, Brigadier General (retired), of the Department of Veterans Services. “The property tax relief will provide meaningful financial support to veterans and their families, while access to our state parks offers opportunities for recreation and healing in New Mexico’s beautiful outdoor spaces.”

“I’m proud of our Tax Department for helping this legislation reach the finish line by working closely with veterans’ groups, the Department of Veterans Services, and county assessors to implement these exemptions,” said Sec. Stephanie Schardin Clarke, for Taxation and Revenue Department. “This is our small way of saying thank you to those who served our country.”

“Our state parks system represents some of New Mexico’s most beautiful and treasured lands, and we are honored to open these spaces to the men and women who have served our nation,” said Sec. Melanie A. Kenderdine, for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “Providing veterans with access to our parks and camping areas is a meaningful way to express our gratitude while inviting them to experience the healing power of New Mexico’s natural landscapes.”

Both Veterans bills received strong bipartisan support in the legislature, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting New Mexico’s veterans by both Republican and Democratic elected representatives.

The state park access provisions take effect July 1, 2025.

Also on Wednesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB 163 into law, ensuring students across New Mexico can freely express their cultural heritage at school ceremonies.

The legislation, which received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature, prohibits school boards and charter schools from preventing Native American students from wearing culturally significant clothing, accessories, and objects during graduation events.

Tribal leaders from across the state attended the signing ceremony in celebration of this meaningful legislation. The law takes effect immediately, ensuring this year’s graduating Native American students can fully express their heritage during upcoming ceremonies.

“This legislation represents our commitment to honoring and respecting the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico’s Native communities,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Every student deserves to celebrate their academic achievements in a way that honors their identity and traditions.”

“This is a powerful law protecting the rights of Native students and their families to celebrate their achievements while honoring their culture and identity,” said Sec. Josett Monette (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), New Mexico Indian Affairs Department. “We are proud to have worked alongside Governor Lujan Grisham, the Public Education Department, and our legislative sponsors to make this a reality. Students’ milestones deserve to be honored without barriers, ensuring that Native students can wear their regalia is a victory for tradition, identity, and resilience.”