Michael Padilla, Majority Whip | Senate Democrats
The New Mexico Senate has passed several legislative measures addressing critical issues within the state. Among them, Senate Bill 105 was unanimously approved, allowing licensed social workers from other states to practice in New Mexico under the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. This initiative aims to alleviate the shortage of social workers and improve access to services for residents.
Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe), who sponsored the bill, stated, "As a longstanding advocate to improve child wellbeing and make sure our social services are meeting our communities’ needs, it’s clear that our communities and agencies are short-staffed, and have been for years." Co-sponsor Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) added, "This will help make their transition to the Land of Enchantment just that much smoother."
In response to the shortage of organs available for transplantation, Senate Bill 118 mandates that the Motor Vehicle Division create educational materials on organ donor registration. These materials will be distributed across state agencies. The bill received unanimous support with a 37-0 vote. Senator Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D-Cerrillos) remarked, "This bill makes sure our state agencies have access to the latest research and data."
Another significant measure is Senate Memorial 14, which passed by a vote of 21-14. It reaffirms New Mexico's commitment to protect Mt. Taylor's ecological and cultural significance against uranium mining projects. Senator Angel Charley (D-Acoma) emphasized its importance: "I truly believe that what happens to the land happens to the people." Governor Charles Riley of the Pueblo of Acoma supported this sentiment by stating, "The mountain is not just land—it is a living, sacred entity that must be protected."
Additional legislative actions included passing bills related to independent theater licenses, transit bus yielding protocols, state employee health benefits contributions, unfair insurance claims practices, wildfire study groups, and promoting local produce in schools.
