2023 Regular Session
The 2023 Legislative Session ended on March 18, 2023 at 12 noon. Below is a review of passed legislation.
Nonprofit Day
Nonprofit Day at the Roundhouse on February 7th was a great opportunity for nonprofits to network with legislators and each other.
2023 Legislative Session
More than one thousand bills were introduced during the 2023 Legislative Session. The legislature passed a $9.6 billion budget, the largest in New Mexico's history. Two hundred and twenty-four bills passed; the Governor signed two hundred and eleven, vetoed thirteen. Below are the bills that New Mexico Thrives was following.
See also "What passed and what failed: New Mexico's legislative session round-up" by Dan Boyd and Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal, March 18, 2023; and "Legislative Recap: Bills signed and bills vetoed" by Nicole Maxwell, NM Political Report, April 11, 2023.
Nonprofit Related Bills
SB240, raises the audit threshold for nonprofits. Starting in January 2024, organizations with expenses of $750,000 or more, will need to have an audit. This new law brings the threshold into alignment with federal regulations.
SJR9, the modernized and expanded anti-donation clause received a Do Not Pass in the Senate Judiciary Committee. New Mexico Thrives and working group will continue to refine the bill and a new version will be introduced in 2024.
Food/Agriculture Related Bills
SB4, Healthy Universal School Meals passed. Starting in the fall of 2023, free breakfasts and lunches will be provided to children in school, K-12. The bill includes funding for buying local produce and products to make meals from scratch.
Health/Behavioral Health Related Bills
HB395, requires the Department of Health to collect and report demographic and compensation data on developmental disabilities direct support provider agency employees. The data will be used to determine rates for payment for support and services.
SB310 authorizes peace officers to bring individuals in crisis to crisis triage centers (health facilities) for mental status evaluations.
SB397 adds School-Based Health Centers to the Public Health Act. The bill establishes a path to create and fund school-based health centers.
Election/Voting Related Bills
HB4, protects voting rights, makes it easier to register to vote, and creates a voluntary permanent absentee voter list.
SB43 makes it a crime to intimidate election officials and workers.
SB180 makes technical changes to the Election Code.
SB335 is another technical bill relating to Conservancy District elections.