Legislative Wrapup: Highlights and Setbacks from New Mexico's 2025 Session
Learn more about the fate of key bills addressing housing and digital equity introduced in the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session.
By Shannon Yvonne Moreau
New Mexico’s 60-day legislative session for 2025 wrapped on March 22. Bills not acted on by the Governor by April 11 were pocket-vetoed. Bills signed by Governor Lujan Grisham go into effect June 20.
Some proposals—such as HJR 11 to amend the anti-donation clause and SJR 1 to pay legislators a salary—stalled early in the session. One of the key housing bills that New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) testified for, HB 453, came close yet didn’t make it through committee. With so many bills and a finite number of days, time ran out.
Out of the nearly 1,200 bills introduced, only 195 bills passed.
The way forward is to try again next year. NMBLC will continue to follow and advocate for legislation that intersects with the organization’s areas of impact and affects the International District, Albuquerque, and the state as a whole.
Included in this legislative wrapup is a City Council resolution that aims to improve living conditions in rental housing.
Tackling the Housing Crisis – Bills to protect renters and expand access to housing
HB 339 Housing Discrimination and Human Rights Act
Sponsors:
Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Doña Ana
Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe
Gist: Amend the Human Rights Act to outlaw housing discrimination due to source of income
Final Verdict: Stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 453 Housing Creditworthiness Assistance Program
Sponsors:
Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Marian Matthews, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Amend the Affordable Housing act by creating and appropriating funds for a program that assists with rent payments for those participating in educational training on budgeting and credit scores
Final Verdict: Stalled on the Senate Calendar
SB 205 State Office of Housing Planning & Production
Sponsors:
Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Sen. Cindy Nava, D-Bernalillo & Sandoval
Rep. Meredith A. Dixon, D- Bernalillo
Sen. Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales, D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe & Taos
Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, D-Bernalillo
Gist: As the unhoused crisis is a state emergency, create an Office of Housing Planning and Production to take effect immediately.
Final Verdict: Stalled in the Senate Finance Committee
SB 267 Housing Application Fees
Sponsors:
Sen. Carrie Hamblen, D-Doña Ana
Sen. Heather Berghmans, D-Bernalillo
Sen. Leo Jaramillo, D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval & Santa Fe
Sen. Linda M. Trujillo, D-Santa Fe
Gist: Require rental managers to notify applicants of screening fees
Final Verdict: Passed
City Council - R-25-120 Rental Unit Habitability Standards
Sponsor: Tammy Fiebelkorn
Gist: Ensure property owners keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning in working order.
Final Verdict: Sent to the mayor for signature
Bridging the Digital Divide – Funding increases for rural broadband and education
SB 126 Increase Rural Service Fund Allocations
Sponsor: Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Increase funding for internet in rural areas from $30 million to $40 million
Final Verdict: Passed
SB 401 Broadband for Education
Sponsors:
Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Debra M. Sariñana, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Tara L. Lujan, D-Santa Fe
Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Appropriate tax bond monies for educational technology infrastructure
Final Verdict: Passed