March 15, 2025
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up a rigorous week with many hours on the House floor. Several bills, if passed, could significantly increase the financial burden on New Mexicans. I will continue to monitor these bills as they move through the Senate and potentially reach the Governor’s desk.
I’m eagerly awaiting HB 175 (Forest & Watershed Buffer Projects) and HB 553 (Timber Grading Bill) to be heard on the Senate floor. Meanwhile, SB 33 (Wildfire Preparedness Act) is still awaiting a hearing in House Appropriations, and SB 81 (NM Property Insurance Program Association Board) will be heard Monday morning in House Judiciary. Additionally, HB 208 (Hunting and Fishing License Voter Registration) has passed the House floor and is now in Senate Rules—this bill has the potential to make a significant impact on voter registration!
The best news of the week, Senate Finance defeated HB 11/a (Paid Family Medical Leave Act) with an 8-3 vote—a victory for New Mexican voices!
Another key update, SB 5 has moved to the Governor’s desk. I debated this bill for three hours on the House floor, proposing amendments to protect our farmers and ranchers and ensure the Game Commission is held accountable. My amendment aimed to restrict species protections solely to those approved by the Legislature, but unfortunately, SB 5 now allows the Commission to list any species they choose. The bill’s sponsors insisted it wouldn’t lead to the exclusion of livestock from riparian areas, yet they rejected my amendment, which would have explicitly ensured that protection. Additionally, I pushed for an amendment to ensure that revenue from big game tags is strictly used for big game management. All my amendments failed.
Many of you have asked about SB 279 (Gas-Operated Semiauto Firearms Exclusion Act). As of now, it is not advancing—which is good news.
I encourage you to visit www.nmlegis.gov to review my voting record on both committee and House floor decisions.
With just 5 ½ days left in this session, the fight for New Mexico’s conservative values continues. Rest assured, we will keep working hard for you!
Respectfully,
Representative Harlan Vincent
District 56
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