2025 New Mexico Legislature: bills we’re glad are dead

This COULD be a mammoth post since there were a large number of incredibly bad ideas put forth in the 2025 legislative session that were just awful. We’ll limit this to JUST the worst-of-the-worst bills that had momentum in the session. That COULD be support from the Gov. or it could be a floor vote in one or another house.

HB 11: By whatever name you give it these paid leave proposals were both economically harmful AND lacking in a full financial accounting for the liabilities necessary to make the program viable;

SB 4: While it didn’t get very far, Net Zero was specifically called out by the Gov. in her State of the State address. This bill would single-handedly destroy New Mexico’s economy were it to every pass;

SB 85: This bill which would have negatively impacted the ability of non-profits like RGF to engage in the political process flew through the Senate (unanimously) only to die in the House;

HB 318: This bill was a blatant attempt to bankrupt gun stores by opening them up to a raft of “frivolous” litigation. Of course, such a concept could be applied to OTHER industries as well.

HB 548: This bill would have imposed an unnecessary new tax on oil production in New Mexico. It was ultimately folded in (and amended out) of HB 14 which DID pass;

HB 339: Bill would have created new regulations relating to renters and homebuyers against supposed discrimination in public accommodation and housing;

SB 20: Bill would increase taxes on on e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches (like Zyn), and other nicotine delivery systems by 40% (which happen to be healthier alternatives). Taxes would not have been raised on traditional cigarettes and cigars.