New Mexico Sun

News from March 2025


New Mexico Senate passes key bills including nicotine tax increase

The New Mexico Senate convened on March 7, 2025, addressing several legislative matters and confirming gubernatorial appointments.


Tribal nations sue over Bureau of Indian Education staffing cuts

Three Tribal Nations, alongside Native students, have initiated legal action against the United States Department of Interior, Office of Personnel Management, and Office of Indian Affairs.


Chamber hosts networking event at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce recently held its Shakers & Stirrers event at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro Cottonwood on March 5.


State Rep. Block: Congress should 'censure and expel' U.S. Rep. Al Green

John Block, a representative for New Mexico's House District 51, has called for the censure and expulsion of U.S. Representative Al Green following an incident during President Trump's speech to Congress.


Senator Jeff Steinborn’s Legislative Push and Vision for New Mexico

Senator Jeff Steinborn is a lifelong resident of Las Cruces, and was born there. He has served in the state legislature for nearly two decades. He comes from a family dedicated to public service—his father served as mayor in the 1980s. After earning his degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Steinborn returned to New Mexico in 2001 and has since worked on issues ranging from conservation to healthcare and public safety.


State Rep. Lord: House Bill 11 will be 'detrimental to our small businesses across New Mexico'

Stefani Lord, a representative for New Mexico's House District 22, said that House Bill 11 passed the House with support from most but not all Democrats.


NMBC president on passage of paid leave bill: 'It's a sad day in New Mexico'

Carla Sonntag, president of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), criticized the passage of a bill taxing employees and employers despite known solvency issues.


Oil and gas industry supports education through funding and resources

The oil and gas industry has made significant contributions to communities across New Mexico, with over $279 million in tax revenue directed to public schools in the fiscal year 2024.


New Mexico requires current child support for hunting and fishing licenses

Parents in New Mexico must be current on their child support payments to obtain hunting and fishing licenses.


Albuquerque chamber hears updates on downtown plans and Expo New Mexico project

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce convened its Board of Directors meeting on February 27, where several key updates were shared.


New Mexico Senate addresses pipeline safety and climate change

The New Mexico Senate recently held a session on March 6, 2025, addressing several key legislative measures.


New Mexico Senate approves $10 million fund for climate action

The New Mexico Senate has approved Senate Bill 83, which establishes the Innovation in State Government Fund.


Protecting Our Children, Supporting Families: The Importance of the Detransitioners Protection Act

Every child is precious. Every parent deserves a voice. Families should be empowered to make informed decisions about their children's well-being. Senate Bill 500, the Detransitioner Protection Act, embodies these principles.


State Rep. John Block: House Bill 339 is a 'bad bill'

John Block, a representative for New Mexico's House District 51, expressed opposition to House Bill 339, which seeks to prevent housing discrimination based on income source.


State Rep. Block on Paid Family and Medical Leave Act: 'The most evil bill this session is being heard right now on the House floor'

John Block, a representative for New Mexico House District 51, said that House Bill 11, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, would "annihilate all NM small businesses."


State Rep. Lord: HB 260 is 'an outrageous bill that jeopardizes the safety of both teachers and students'

Stefani Lord, a representative for New Mexico's House District 22, said that Democrats rejected a "crucial amendment" to a student behavior response bill.


State Rep. Dow: 'Let’s have an interim committee' to study states with educational gains

Rebecca Dow, a representative for New Mexico's House District 38, has proposed the creation of an interim committee to examine educational strategies from states with successful outcomes.


Founder of The Family Month Project on HB 207: A '$7,000 tax break would relieve the what-ifs' for adoption

Anne Doherty, founder of The Family Month Project, has expressed support for the proposed $7,000 adoption tax credit in New Mexico's House Bill 207.


State Sen. Block on auto insurance bill withdrawal: 'You know a bill is truly bad if the sponsor has to remove it themselves'

State Senator Jay Block announced that Senate Bill 319, which aimed to mandate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for all New Mexico drivers, was withdrawn by its sponsor, Senator Katy Duhigg.


Sen Woods on IPRA exemption bill: 'This is not an abortion argument, it's a government transparency argument'

Pat Woods, a New Mexico State Senator, said that Senate Bill 57 undermines government transparency by exempting certain publicly funded entities from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).