2023 – SB 9 Create Legacy Permanent Funds
SB 9 creates a Conservation Legacy Fund that gives legislators a historic opportunity to deliver for New Mexico communities, better protecting us from extreme weather conditions like wildfire, flooding and drought. It will also preserve our cultural heritage and outdoor traditions, leaving a legacy for our children to hunt, fish, farm, ranch, and enjoy the lands and waters the way our ancestors have for generations. Local entities – including acequias, tribes, and Soil & Water Conservation Districts – are primed to apply for projects they know work for them. If adequately funded, this investment will deliver resources to all 33 counties and tribal communities. Working on this legislation has been a lengthy and impressive bipartisan process, bringing a variety of different stakeholders together to develop this historic piece of legislation.
SB 9 passed through the Senate 33-7 and the House 54-11, was signed by the Governor on March 23, 2023.
2023 – HB 4 Voting Rights Protections
The Voting Rights Protections will make substantial changes to state election law. These include:
- Restoration of voting rights to citizens convicted of felonies
- Improvement of Native voter protections
- Upgrades to secure automatic voter registration
- Creation and enforcement of a permanent absentee list
- Marking Election Day as a school holiday
The Voting Rights Act will ensure that every New Mexican, regardless of background, geography, or demographics, will be able to participate in an efficient, secure, equitable and inclusive democratic process.
Hb 4 passed through the House 41-26 and the Senate 27-14, was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2023.