Paid Family & Medical Leave Defeated

​A major point of discussion this session was House Bill 11, the Paid Family Medical Leave Act. The bill failed to advance out of Senate Finance, marking a win for the business community. The Santa Fe Chamber, along with a coalition that included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Hispano Chamber, the Alamogordo and Las Cruces Chambers, the Restaurant Association, and the Hospitality Association, worked diligently to educate lawmakers on the concerns surrounding this bill. Special thanks go to Senate Finance Chair George Muñoz, Vice Chair Benny Shendo, as well as Senators Bobby Gonzales and Pete Campos, for recognizing the need for a more measured approach. This issue is likely to return next year, and discussions will continue on how to create a balanced solution that benefits both employees and employers.

​Key Bills Signed by the Governor

Several high-priority bills have already been signed into law:

• House Bill 1 (The Feed Bill):
  Covers the costs of the legislative session.
  
  
• House Bill 8:
  Omnibus Public Safety Reform Bill.
  
  
• Senate Bill 1:
  Establishes a trust fund for behavioral health initiatives.
  
  
• Senate Bill 3:
  ​Develops a regional behavioral health coordination plan with the Office of the Courts.

Major Bills Still in Play

With four days left, several significant measures are still making their way through the process:
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• House Bill 2 (State Budget):
  A $10.8 billion budget reflecting increased revenues from the oil and gas industry.
  
  
• House Bill 7 (Children’s Future Act):
  Establishes "baby bonds" to invest in future economic opportunities for NM youth.
  
  
• House Bill 9:
  Bans state and local governments from contracting with the federal government for civil immigration detention.
  
  
• House Bill 10:
  Grants law enforcement authority to regulate illicit cannabis markets.
  
  
• House Bill 12:
  Expands the state’s extreme risk firearm protection law.
  
  
• House Bill 14:
  Creates a new Earned Income Tax Credit, replacing the Working Families Tax Credit.
  
  
• House Bill 37:
  Allows for the treatment and reuse of brackish water, supporting NM’s long-term water strategy.
  
  
• House Bill 143:
  Introduces new transparency measures for lobbyist disclosures.
  
  
• House Bill 166:
  Expands liquor license options for restaurants.
  
  
• House Bill 197:
  Expands the NM Silver Alert System to include elders showing signs of cognitive decline without requiring an official diagnosis.
  
  
• House Bill 586:
  Increases oversight of private equity acquisitions of hospitals, which has raised concerns among healthcare providers.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the final days of the session, anything can happen. The budget remains a priority, and last-minute negotiations will determine the fate of many pending bills. The Santa Fe Chamber will continue monitoring developments and advocating for policies that support our business community.

Stay tuned for our final post-session update, where we will recap the outcomes and what they mean for businesses in New Mexico.

Legislative Progress

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has already signed two major pieces of legislation:
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• Senate Bill 3 – Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act
  ​
• House Bill 8 – Criminal Competency and Treatment Legislation

The House and Senate leadership committed to making behavioral health and competency treatment a priority, and they have followed through on that promise. However, with over two weeks left, many bills are still pending, and the state budget remains the top priority.

State Budget and Federal Concerns

​The budget, which passed the House, is now in the Senate Finance Committee for review. A looming concern is potential federal budget cuts, which could have a significant impact on key sectors such as higher education and healthcare. Legislative leaders are considering adjustments to fill potential funding gaps, and there is speculation about a possible special session later in the year to address these issues.

Taxation Proposals

​A proposed tax package is moving quickly through the House, which includes:
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• Corporate Tax Increases
  
  
• Equalization Tax on Oil & Gas

While these measures could generate an estimated $500-$600 million annually, they also raise concerns about the impact on industries that have been driving New Mexico’s economic growth. The Chamber will continue to monitor these proposals and advocate for policies that support a healthy business climate.

Business-Related Legislation

Several bills are of particular interest to the business community:
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• Hospital Mergers & Acquisitions Oversight:
  Proposed legislation would give the state more authority in these transactions, but the Chamber believes private enterprises should govern themselves.
  
  
• Staffing Ratios for Nurses & Doctors:
  A bill addressing this issue is moving through the House.
  
  
• Data Privacy & Artificial Intelligence Regulations:
  New Mexico is considering policies similar to those in Colorado, though there are concerns about their practicality and impact on businesses.
  ​
• Economic Development & Energy Infrastructure:
  ​The Chamber supports efforts to improve site readiness and power grid flexibility to attract businesses and streamline the permitting process.

A Call to Action

The Chamber encourages business leaders to stay informed and engage with their elected officials. Visit www.nmlegis.gov to find your representatives, share your perspectives, and provide feedback on legislation that affects the local business community.

Recognizing Leadership

​A special thank you to Bridget Dixon, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of local businesses. Her leadership, along with the efforts of the Chamber team and board, has been instrumental in ensuring that business voices are heard at the Roundhouse.

As we approach the final stretch of the session, we remain committed to keeping you updated on key developments. The next legislative update will take place on Wednesday, March 19. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to the Chamber team.
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Thank you for staying engaged, and we look forward to the final weeks of this legislative session.

​How It Works

Here’s how you can take advantage of this new benefit:
​

1. Member Discount Code:
   As a Chamber member, you’ll receive a unique discount code, redeemable for one 30-day job listing at no cost. This code will be sent to the primary contact on file and is valid for use anytime during 2025.
   
   
2. Listing Costs After the Freebie:
   Members needing to post additional roles can still enjoy our discounted rates:
   • 30-Day Listing: $50
   • 60-Day Listing: $90
   • 90-Day Listing: $130
     
     
3. Non-Member Pricing:
   ​Job listings are open to non-members at the following rates:
   • 30-Day Listing: $80
   • 60-Day Listing: $150
   • 90-Day Listing: $220
     
     

Steps to Post Your Free Listing
​

1. Go to the Job Board at santafechamber.mcjobboard.net/jobs.
2. Select "Post a Job" and fill in your job details.
3. At checkout, apply your unique discount code to waive the fee for a 30-day listing.
   ​

For any additional listings, the member discount will automatically apply.