The New Mexico Legislature concluded its special session with both the Senate and House passing several key bills, which now await Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signature. The Senate approved House Bill 2, known as the health care coverage bill, with a 34-3 vote after it passed committee 7-1. This legislation aims to prevent significant insurance cost increases for middle-income residents at the end of the year.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce expressed support for HB2, stating, "The Chamber supported this bill during the session because we believe it is in everyone’s interest to have as many people covered by health insurance as possible." The bill received bipartisan backing throughout its progression in committees and on the floor.
Following swift action, the Senate adjourned sine die after deliberating for a total of 25 hours during the session. "It just goes to show how fast this body can work, and work well, to do the people’s work," was noted in reflection on the chamber's efficiency.
Meanwhile, the House debated three significant bills: rural healthcare delivery funds for high-needs areas (Senate Bill 1), metro court defendant competency determination (Senate Bill 2), and vaccination requirements for schoolchildren and adults (Senate Bill 3). All three passed with substantial majorities and are now pending gubernatorial approval.
Some Republican lawmakers voiced concerns about being excluded from pre-session negotiations. As a result, debates on each bill extended to nearly three hours. Additionally, minority members used floor announcements to express frustration over their lack of involvement in shaping legislative priorities.
On the first day of session, lawmakers quickly advanced House Bill 1—the general appropriations bill—which allocates $144 million in new spending for food banks, SNAP funding, public broadcasting programs, and a state rural health care delivery fund.
Leadership limited this special session’s agenda to issues where Democrats and Governor Lujan Grisham could reach agreement. Two measures that garnered strong bipartisan support included protections for health insurance exchange access and grants supporting rural hospitals. These initiatives were recognized by business groups such as the Chamber: "> Health Insurance Exchange Protection (64-3): Ensures New Mexicans won’t lose access to their health care coverage during this uncertain time." And "> Rural Hospital Grants (64-4): Provides critical financial support to rural hospitals struggling through these challenges."
Despite some optimism about future reforms—including medical compacts set for discussion in January—critics said pressing topics like crime and homelessness went unaddressed during this brief session. "For New Mexicans living with these challenges daily, this session may have felt like a missed opportunity," observers noted.
Chamber representatives concluded their update by expressing continued optimism that broader issues will be addressed moving forward: "We believe the momentum is building for meaningful action on other critical issues as well, particularly juvenile justice reform, and broader public safety measures."
A correction was also issued regarding an earlier misidentification of Melissa Hortman; she is Speaker of Minnesota's State House rather than a Congresswoman.
The special session saw five bills introduced at an overall cost of $240,000. Legislative leaders signaled plans to revisit additional policy matters when they reconvene early next year.
