John Block, New Mexico House Representative for District 51, has proposed that the state's alcohol excise tax be reduced to zero. He suggested that "if counties and cities want to tax it, leave it up to local control." Block made these comments on X on February 19.

"Reduce the state alcohol excise tax to… wait for it… ZERO," said Block, State Representative. "If counties and cities want to tax it, leave it up to local control. One size DOES NOT FIT ALL in New Mexico. Please support my bill, HB460, to do just that."

According to a report from the Albuquerque Journal, Block's post referenced an article about House Bill 417. This bill passed the House Health and Human Services Committee with a 6-4 vote on February 19. It aims to impose a new 6% sales tax on alcohol in addition to the existing wholesale liquor excise tax, set to take effect in July. The bill also suggests redirecting proceeds from the current liquor excise tax—estimated between $25 and $50 million annually—from the state’s general fund into local harm alleviation funds.

Screenshot of State Representative John Block's Feb. 19 post on X | X

The introduced bill outlines that funds from the new alcohol sales tax would be allocated as follows: approximately 94% to the local harms alleviation fund, 6% to the drug court fund, and an amount equal to net receipts from the liquor excise surtax to the Tribal Alcohol Harms Alleviation Fund. Taxes related to this bill are due by the 25th day of each month following liquor sales.

House Bill 417 is sponsored by Representatives Joanne J. Ferrary, Micaela Lara Cadena, Javier Martinez, Cristina Parajon, and Elizabeth Tomson. Senators Shannon D. Pinto and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez are also listed as sponsors. The bill has been referred to the House Taxation and Revenue Committee for further consideration.

Block is a Republican politician from Otero County and founder of Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet. Re-elected in 2024, he represents House District 51 and advocates for conservative values and free speech with legislative priorities focusing on limited government and individual liberties.