The New Mexico State Senate recently passed several significant bills addressing emergency response, insurance coverage, and educational opportunities.

Senate Bill 353, sponsored by Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) and Senator Shannon Pinto (D-Tohatchi), was approved with a 31-3 vote. This bill aims to streamline the activation process for search and rescue operations in New Mexico. The legislation ensures immediate notification to the Department of Public Safety, allowing state resources to be deployed promptly in emergencies. "New Mexico is home to the most beautiful sites, but that can come with dangerous terrain or other unexpected hazards," said Senator Steinborn. "This bill is a straightforward fix that will make sure that if disaster strikes when you’re out and about, not a single minute is wasted to get the people and resources to where they are needed."

In another move, the Senate passed Senate Bill 81 by a vote of 34-1. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), this bill seeks to expand the New Mexico FAIR Plan, which provides property insurance for those unable to secure coverage due to high-risk factors like wildfires. "With devastating wildfires and the increasing costs of rebuilding, it’s imperative that we modernize the protections available to New Mexicans living in high-risk areas," stated Wirth.

Additionally, Senate Bill 480 was unanimously passed with a 36-0 vote. Sponsored by Senator Cindy Nava (D-Albuquerque), this bill focuses on increasing awareness of educational opportunities for individuals who have not completed high school within four years of entering ninth grade. It mandates the creation of a directory by the Public Education Department for education providers supporting these individuals. "I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort," said Nava. Co-sponsor Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) added, "We all know that education has a huge impact on cycles of poverty."

Other business included passing Senate Bill 39 regarding prior authorization drugs and Senate Bill 252 on social work telehealth services.