SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session winds down, House and Senate Bills have already made it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk to sign. Below are bills that have been signed into law so far.
House Bill 1 – Feed Bill
House Bill 1 moved quickly through the legislature and was signed by the governor on January 23. Its purpose is to outline appropriations for the expenses of the legislative session and where the funds will be coming from.
House Bill 8 – Criminal Competency & Treatment
House Bill 8 was signed by the governor about halfway through the session on February 27. Its focus is on criminal competency, looking to improve the court system and make sure that individuals who may be having a mental health crisis when they commit a crime have access to the treatment they need so they are able to stand trial.
House Bill 47 – Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
House Bill 47 was signed into law on March 20, 2025, and implements a constitutional amendment to increase property tax exemptions for veterans from $4,000 to $10,000. There is also a proportional tax exemption for disabled vets to match their federal disability rating.
House Bill 161 – State Park Day Passes for Veterans
House Bill 161 was also signed on March 20 and also aims to benefit veterans in the state. HB 161 gives veterans free access to state parks, including unlimited day-use and camping passes.
House Bill 175 – Forest & Watershed Buffer Projects
The Forest & Watershed Buffer Project bill was signed on March 19 by the governor and deals with making projects to create or maintain buffers in and around wildland or urban interaces eligible for funding form the forest land protection revolving fund.
Senate Bill 1 – Behavioral Health Trust Fund
Signed by the governor on February 27, the Behavioral Health Trust Fund bill will create a behavioral health trust fund for the state similar to the state’s trust funds for higher education and early childhood care.
Senate Bill 3 – Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act
Similar to SB 1, the Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act was signed on February 17 and would allow the Administrative Office of the Courts to map out behavioral health regions based on counties or judicial districts.
Senate Bill 5 – Game Commission Reform
The Game Commission Reform Bill was signed on March 20 and aims to reform the Game Commission by introducing new qualifications for commissioners to create a more functional board. It would also update hunting and fishing license fees to increase by approximately $15 annually and officer discounts for seniors, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Senate Bill 75 – Educational Retirement Changes
Signed by the governor on March 20, SB 75 makes changes to the Educational REtirement Act, clarifying restrictions on receiving gifts, providing for unclaimed member contributions to be deposited into the Educational Retirement Fund, and also allows for a member on disability status who is over 60 years old and who receives an annuity adjustment to continue receiving the adjustment.
Senate Bill 163 – Tribal Regalia at School Events
Signed on March 20, this bill would protect Indigenous students’ rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies or public school events. The bill unanimously cleared the Senate and House and will take effect immediately.
Senate Bill 199 – Administration of Local DWI Grant Program
Senate Bill 199 was signed by the governor on March 20 and pertains to increasing the amount of the Local DWI Grant Fund to administer the grant program.
Senate Bill 283 – CYFD & Use of Federal Benefits
The governor signed this bill on March 20 and requires CYFD to determine federal benefits eligibility for children in its custody, apply for federal benefits, and either act as the child’s representative payee or decide an appropriate alternative.