New Mexico Sun

News from February 2025


CYFD announces support for bill on substance-exposed infants protection

The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) has announced its support for Senate Bill 42, which aims to address gaps in the state's system for supporting substance-exposed infants and families.


Native American Rights Fund supports New Mexico bill on Tribal regalia at graduations

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has expressed its support for New Mexico's Senate Bill 163, which aims to safeguard the rights of Native students to wear Tribal regalia during graduation ceremonies.


CYFD announces oversight resolution advancement despite opposition

The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) announced that House Joint Resolution 5 has advanced, despite concerns from child welfare experts and officials regarding its potential negative impact.


Legislative session sees mixed outcomes for privacy and LGBTQ+ rights

The legislative session this week saw significant developments in several key areas, with both positive advancements and challenges ahead.


NM Senate Republicans hold hearing on House Bill 8

New Mexico Senate Republicans announced they held a Senate floor hearing for House Bill 8, with amendments proposed by Republicans blocked by Senate Democrats.


New Mexico legislature passes bill on behavioral healthcare and public safety

The New Mexico legislature has passed a significant bill aimed at reforming behavioral healthcare and public safety measures, now awaiting the Governor's approval.


New Mexico legislative session sees introduction of impactful oil and gas bills

The New Mexico legislative session of 2025 has reached its midpoint in the 60-day period.


OPINION: Concerned Women for America of New Mexico Advocates for Female Athletes

The fight to protect women’s sports in New Mexico has reached a critical juncture. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of New Mexico strongly supports President Trump’s executive order affirming that women’s sports should be reserved for biological females.


OPINION: Money for Classrooms, Not an Expensive Agenda

Once again, some in Santa Fe need a math lesson.


State Rep. Block on state alcohol excise tax: 'One size does not fit all in New Mexico'

John Block, New Mexico House Representative for District 51, has proposed that the state's alcohol excise tax be reduced to zero.


State Sen. Block opposes Paid Family and Medical Leave bill substitute: 'This bill must not pass'

New Mexico State Senator Jay Block has expressed concerns regarding the House Bill 11 substitute, a piece of legislation designed to provide paid family and medical leave.


State Rep. Armstrong on paid family leave: 'House Bill 11 represents the largest tax hike in our state’s history'

Gail Armstrong, a representative from New Mexico's District 49, described House Bill 11 as a significant tax increase and endorsed House Bill 446 as a less burdensome alternative for parental leave.


Arts & Culture: Silence - Composer, John Michael Luther, On Losing His Hearing

For any human to lose his or her hearing is overwhelming. For a composer, it’s catastrophic.


Rachel Kilman honored as February 2025 Pepsi Teacher of the Month

Rachel Kilman has been named the February 2025 Pepsi Teacher of the Month.


New push emerges after failed bid for legislative pay reform in New Mexico

A constitutional amendment to establish an independent legislative salaries commission in New Mexico faced a setback after failing to pass the Senate Finance Committee.


New Mexico committee reviews revised strategic water supply bill

The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee is set to review a revised bill on Saturday aimed at establishing a Strategic Water Supply in New Mexico.


Bill aims to improve SNAP access for eligible New Mexicans

New Mexico is currently considering House Bill 77, which seeks to enhance access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for eligible residents.


Deb Haaland announces run for governor amid criticism over past energy policies

Democrat Deb Haaland has announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico.


House approves behavioral health bill; awaits senate concurrence

The New Mexico House has approved Senate Bill 3, a significant piece of legislation aimed at overhauling the state's behavioral health system.


City partners with University of New Mexico for potential downtown campus expansion

On February 13, the city of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced a partnership to explore expanding UNM’s presence into Downtown Albuquerque.