Yza and Chiara, legislative fellows from EQNM, provided an update on recent developments in the legislative session. Several bills have advanced, but there were also setbacks.
Among the positive news is that NMCPSA (SB420) has passed the Senate Tax Committee with a 5-4 vote and awaits a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Overdose Prevention Centers Bill has cleared its first hurdle in the House Health and Human Services Committee. Additionally, SB36, aimed at protecting motor vehicle data privacy, passed the Senate by a 26-14 margin and now moves to the House.
Another victory came with the Health Data Privacy Bill passing through the House Health & Human Services Committee. Reproductive Health Lobby Day was marked as successful with a speech by Community Organizer Hazel. HB518, proposing an official LGBTQ+ Day in New Mexico, faced no opposition in its first committee.
In other developments, HB250 ensures access to menstrual products for incarcerated individuals and HB60 addresses AI discrimination; both have progressed through relevant committees. Furthermore, the Confirmatory Adoption Bill is nearing a full Senate vote to secure legal proof of parentage for same-gender parents traveling to states where their rights might be challenged.
However, SB4, known as the Clear (Queer) Horizons Bill focused on climate change impacts on underserved communities, was tabled in Senate Finance—a setback noted by EQNM. Another concern is HB410 or "Data Privacy Bill," criticized as being backed by big tech without offering genuine protection.
EQNM encourages public support for SB420 and Comprehensive Sex Ed (SB258) through various means such as emails and social media posts. They also urge resistance against tech companies prioritizing profits over safety concerns of LGBTQ+ people and immigrants.
Key dates include March 22nd marking the end of this legislative session.
