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2025 New Mexico Legislative Session Wrap-Up: Landmark Changes in Tech, Public Health, and Safety

  • Writer: Cactus Crossfire
    Cactus Crossfire
  • Jun 17
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

The curtain has closed on the 2025 New Mexico 60-day legislative session, marking a year of remarkable momentum and change. With nearly 1,200 bills introduced—an unprecedented volume—this session underscored the growing complexity and ambition of state policy-making. Our TriStrategies team tracked, analyzed, and provided strategic insights on the most impactful legislation, spanning public safety, healthcare, tech regulation, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the major victories, missed opportunities, and what’s next for the Land of Enchantment.



Major Victories


Public Safety: Responding to Critical Challenges

Public safety took center stage in the session’s final days, resulting in a series of robust reforms:

  • Enhanced red flag law implementation

  • New regulations on glock switches and organized retail crime

  • Stronger penalties for fentanyl trafficking

  • New frameworks for criminal competency evaluation

  • Potential for a special session targeting juvenile justice reform

These measures reflect New Mexico’s commitment to tackling urgent safety issues and modernizing its criminal justice approach.


Transformative CYFD Reforms

Child welfare received a sweeping overhaul:

  • Senate Bill 42 (CYFD Omnibus): Unanimous, bipartisan reform package to structurally improve the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD).

  • Senate Bill 283: Enhanced protections and oversight for children in state care.

  • CYFD Oversight Bill: Establishes an independent office for investigations and accountability.

  • SB 458: Mandates new service protocols, strengthens departmental structure, and improves child protection.

These reforms aim to ensure safer, more accountable systems for New Mexico’s most vulnerable.


Housing Reform: SB 267

  • Caps rental application fees at $50

  • Requires itemized receipts and disclosure of screening criteria

  • Prohibits fees without available units and mandates refunds if screenings aren’t performed

A win for renters and transparency in the housing market.


Government Reform

  • House Bill 143: Overhauls lobbyist reporting for greater transparency.

  • House Joint Resolution 2: Puts a 2026 ballot measure to end the governor’s pocket veto and require explanations for executive decisions.

  • Senate Bill 5: Modernizes wildlife management and conservation.

  • Senate Bill 16: Opens primaries to independent voters, expanding civic participation.


Healthcare Initiatives

  • SB122: Expands prescription drug donation programs.

  • Continued medical malpractice reform and improved behavioral health access.


Environmental Progress

  • Community Benefit Fund and Innovation in State Government Fund established

  • HB458: Geologic Carbon Dioxide Long-Term Stewardship Act advances climate stewardship.


Education Reform

  • HB156: $5,000 increase to teacher salary tiers.

  • HB63: Updates school funding formula.

  • HB157: Modernizes administrator licensing requirements.


Economic Development

  • HB19: Authorizes public-private partnerships for trade ports.

  • HB493: Updates grant funding criteria.

  • HB158: Enhances support for military base impact areas.

Notable Bills That Didn’t Make It

Despite a productive session, several high-profile initiatives are on hold, setting the stage for 2026:


Technology and AI Regulation

  • Artificial Intelligence Act (HB60) and AI Synthetic Content Accountability Act (HB401): Would have established a first-of-its-kind AI regulatory framework.

  • Digital Age Verification Act (HB313) and Sensitive Deepfake Images Act (HB530): Targeted platform safety and AI-generated imagery.


Tax and Revenue Reform

  • Cigarette & Tobacco Products Tax Act (SB20), Revenue Enhancement Package (SB559), Cannabis Tax Reform (HB331), and Local Option Tobacco Tax (SB442): Proposed significant updates to the state’s tax structure.



Public Safety

  • Juvenile Corrections Act (SB255), Pretrial Detention Reform (HB54), and Firearms Restrictions Act (SB232): Failed to clear final legislative hurdles.


Looking Ahead

With a possible special session on public safety and unfinished business in tech regulation, tax reform, and criminal justice, 2026 promises another year of pivotal policy debates. Our TriStrategies team remains vigilant in monitoring these developments and advocating for clients across Nevada and New Mexico.


Stay Connected

For ongoing insights and updates on New Mexico’s legislative landscape, follow our podcast and blog. If you’d like a tailored analysis of how these changes may impact your organization, or to strategize for the year ahead, reach out to your TriStrategies representative.


Contact Us:

  • Albuquerque: 201 5th St #221, (505) 304-4740

  • Reno: 59 Damonte Ranch Pkwy Suite B-552, (480) 343-1602

  • Las Vegas: 8384 Cupertino Heights Way, (702) 232-1014



About TriStrategies TriStrategies is a leading government relations and public affairs firm, specializing in lobbying, strategic communications, and advocacy across Nevada and New Mexico. Our campaign-style approach and experienced team deliver results in legislative, regulatory, and political arenas.


 
 
 

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