House Bill 481, which sought to impose retroactive liability on past owners of oil wells in New Mexico, was voted down by the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The bill was tabled following a 6-3 vote, with Democrat Reps. Nathan Small and Meredith Dixon joining Republicans in opposition.

Rep. Mark Murphy expressed concerns about the bill's implications for the oil industry, stating: "I recognize that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, right? But we’re not entitled to making up facts." He criticized claims that New Mexico pays for the industry's messes and emphasized that the industry funds reclamation efforts.

Enrique C. Knell, representing the Chamber, opposed the bill due to its potential economic impact. He stated: "The oil and gas industry is contributing nearly half of general fund revenues. We are concerned that this bill will have a negative impact by decreasing economic activity with fewer jobs and lower tax revenues for the state."

Committee chairman Rep. Matthew McQueen defended the bill as beneficial for responsible operators but acknowledged a valid point raised by Murphy regarding tax reductions in the industry.

In other legislative developments, Senate Bill 70 received a "do-pass" recommendation from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sponsored by Sen. Craig Brandt, this bill aims to expand New Mexico's Racketeering Act to include crimes such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.

J.D. Bullington supported SB 70 on behalf of the Chamber, highlighting its focus on organized crime: "SB 70 offers those in our legal system a better tool by casting a wider net over criminal gangs."

Senate Bill 119, sponsored by Sens. George Muñoz and Martin Hickey, passed through the Senate Finance Committee with an 8-2 vote. This legislation seeks to increase investment capital for bioscience firms in New Mexico.

Bullington noted: "We want to ensure that New Mexico gains a larger share of this very lucrative industry with good, high-paying jobs."

Additionally, Senate Bill 88 aims to establish a Medicaid trust fund to attract doctors to New Mexico by addressing reimbursement challenges faced by medical professionals treating Medicaid patients.

Fred Nathan from Think New Mexico emphasized its importance: "The trust fund will generate $100 million a year for the state’s share of the Medicaid program."

Finally, Senate Bill 11 passed on the Senate floor after amendments allowing local control over cell phone policies in schools were accepted. Sen. Michael Padilla supported it as a step towards conditioning students for future workplace environments.