Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Legislature is entering its final week of the 2026 session, with lawmakers working to pass key bills before the session adjourns. With just ten days remaining, the focus is on finalizing legislation addressing issues ranging from nuclear energy regulation to abortion reporting requirements and adjustments to the length of legislative sessions.
The legislative session, which began on January 20th, has seen a flurry of activity as lawmakers grapple with a $11.3 billion budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year – a 4.6% increase from current spending levels, according to filings with the state. This budget prioritizes significant investments in childcare, healthcare, affordable housing, and public safety.
Nuclear Energy Debate Stalls in Committee
A bipartisan effort to include nuclear power facilities within the state’s definition of renewable energy resources suffered a setback this week. Senate Bill 78 was tabled by the Senate Conservation Committee in a 5-4 vote, with concerns centered around the storage of nuclear waste and the finite nature of uranium. Democratic senators voiced apprehension that classifying nuclear power as renewable could weaken the state’s climate goals. Senator Angel Charley, D-Acoma, expressed concern that the move could set a “concerning precedent,” according to reports.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Candy Ezzell, R-Roswell, argued that New Mexico’s reliance on wind and solar energy leaves the state vulnerable. Ezzell stated the need to “think forward” about the state’s energy resources. Currently, New Mexico statute requires at least 50% of power sold in the state to come from renewable energy sources by January 1, 2030.
Abortion Reporting Repeal Approved by Senate
The New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 30 on Tuesday, voting to repeal a 49-year-old law requiring the reporting of induced abortions. The bill passed on a 24-15 party-line vote, with all Republican senators opposing the measure. Details of the debate surrounding the bill were not available in the provided sources.
Legislative Session Length and Lawmaker Salary Under Consideration
The House of Representatives has approved two bills aimed at modernizing the state legislature. House Joint Resolution 6, along with another unnamed bill, are now headed to the Senate for consideration. These bills address the length of legislative sessions and lawmaker salaries, though specific details were not provided.
Other Bills Filed During the Session
Lawmakers have filed dozens of bills during this session, addressing a wide range of issues. These include proposals to prohibit book bans at public libraries and establish protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence, specifically concerning the creation and distribution of “Deepfake” images. Juvenile justice reform is also a key topic, with House Bill 25 proposing to allow access to juvenile records during background checks for gun purchases.
The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network, a coalition dedicated to improving access to out-of-school programs for students, is also actively engaged during the legislative session.
As the session nears its conclusion, lawmakers face a critical period to finalize legislation and address the pressing issues facing the state. The coming days will determine which bills become law and shape the future of New Mexico.
Stay informed on the progress of these bills and other legislative actions by visiting the New Mexico Legislature website. We encourage you to share your thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below.
