How New Mexico legislation addressing housing and broadband fared in the 2024 session.
The 2024 New Mexico legislative session wrapped on Feb. 15. Bills not signed by the Governor by March 6 were pocket-vetoed, meaning the legislation won’t advance simply because it remained in committee. That was the case for many of the bills NMBLC followed that would have addressed the state’s housing and accessible internet needs. Here’s the roundup of how those bills fared.
Legislation Addressing Affordable Housing
HB 25 Housing Discrimination Based on Income
Sponsors:
Rep. Kathleen Cates, D-Bernalillo & Sandoval
Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe
Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Cristina Parajon, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Adds source of income to the list of unlawful housing discrimination practices in the Human Rights Act.
Status: House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
HB 195 Housing Fund & Changes
Sponsors:
Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa Fe
Rep. Meredith A. Dixon, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Bernalillo
Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Expands the Opportunity Enterprise Act by adding housing to the list of projects eligible to receive loans from a revolving fund administered by the New Mexico Finance Mortgage Authority.
Status: Passed and signed by the Governor.
HB 260 MFA Affordable Housing Study
Sponsors: Rep. Rod Montoya, R-San Juan
Gist: Appropriates $500,000 for the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) to conduct studies on locations in the state where affordable housing is needed, what properties are vacant, state- and locally owned land available for housing development, and the necessity of creating a fund for building infrastructure.
Status: House Health & Human Services Committee
HB 293 Creditworthiness Assistance Program
Sponsors:
Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Pamelya Herndon, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Kathleen Cates, D-Bernalillo & Sandoval
Rep. Cristina Parajon, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Appropriates $250,000 to add a creditworthiness assistance grant fund to the Affordable Housing Act.
Status: House Appropriations & Finance Committee, reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution.
SB 71 Create Office of Housing
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Padilla, D- Bernalillo
Gist: Creates an Office of Housing under the NM Mortgage Finance Authority to develop and update the state housing plan.
Status: Senate Finance Committee sans recommendation.
SB 216 NMFA Affordable Housing Projects
Sponsors: Sen. Nancy Rodriguez, D-Santa Fe
Gist: Amends the New Mexico Finance Authority Act to provide financing for affordable housing projects.
Status: Passed and signed by the Governor.
Legislation Addressing Internet Accessibility
HM 46 Federal Affordable Connectivity Program
Sponsors:
Rep. Debra M. Sariñana, D-Bernalillo
Rep. Tara L. Lujan, D-Santa Fe
Gist: A memorial requesting New Mexico’s congressional delegation support funding for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
Status: Passed and signed by House (does not require Governor’s signature).
SM 15 Broadband Work Group
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Gist: A memorial requesting the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to convene a working group to study ways to get internet access to all New Mexico residents.
Status: Senate Calendar with a Do Pass recommendation.
SB 43 Utility Easements for Broadband
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Authorizes use and sharing of utility easements for broadband internet throughout the state.
Status: Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee
SB 45 Broadband Infrastructure
Sponsors: Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Bernalillo
Gist: Makes various amendments to acts and offices related to internet access, including the Broadband Access and Expansion Act and the Connect New Mexico Act.
Status: Senate Finance Committee without a recommendation.
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Shannon Moreau is the editor for NMBLC’s EQ Blog
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