Good morning, friends and neighbors-

It is a great honor to represent you in the Roundhouse this morning, fighting to defend the values we share. Below is a summary of yesterday’s legislative action, brief summaries on the bills that will make an impact on our life here in New Mexico, and a few of my own thoughts.

I pray a blessed day for you all and will be back tomorrow with additional updates.

Floor Action

HB6: IRB Project Minimum Wage- PASSED

Randy’s Vote: NO

The bottom line: Another union bill! This bill will increase labor costs and reduce Payment In-Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to our counties, which could end critical public service projects, especially in our rural areas.

HB6 amends the Public Works Minimum Wage Act (PWMWA) to require that projects funded through industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) issued by municipalities or counties to comply with prevailing wage and fringe benefit requirements. The bill mandates that contractors, subcontractors, employers and others acting as contractors on these projects to pay wages determined by the Workforce Solutions Department.

Clearly, this bill makes private investments into communities conform to laws controlling state government projects.

Looking Ahead

HB2: Budget

What Randy is Tracking: The House Appropriations and Finance Committee is within a few days of sending HB 2 – to the floor for debate. In addition to passing the largest budget in the state’s history, peaking by more than $10.8 billion in recurring funding on the house side with the anticipated increase on the senate side in excess of $200 million for a total non-recurring budget over $11 Billion. Additionally, non-recurring (one time spending) will be in excess of $3.6 billion, the lion’s share of which comes from Oil and Gas Revenue (more than a 300% increase over the last 3 years).

HB12: Red Flag Laws

What Randy is Tracking: This gun confiscation expansion bill has cleared 2 committees in the House and is now up for debate on the House Floor at the will of the Speaker.

SB255: Sale of Firearms Without Background Check

What Randy is Tracking: This bill expands the criminalization of private firearms transfers. It is currently being heard by the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.

SB244: Unlawful Transfer of Firearm to a Minor

What Randy is Tracking: This bill is a ban on semi-automatic rifles and magazines. It is currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB318: Firearms in Unfair Practices Act

What Randy is Tracking: This bill allows gun activists to sue gun stores and is currently being considered by the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee.

HB202: Gun Storage Income Tax Credit

What Randy is Tracking: Scheduled for consideration by the House Tax and Revenue Committee.

HB11: Paid Family Medical Leave Act

What Randy is Tracking: This bill will inflict the largest tax increase on employers and employees in New Mexico state history. The bill has been in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee since January 21. Unfortunately, it will be heard in committee on February 19.

HB137: Strategic Water Supply Act

What Randy is Tracking: This bill creates a $0.03/barrel tax on produced water to pay for conceptual brackish water projects across the state. The bill is currently being heard in the House Energy Committee.

HB259: Oil & Gas Violation Penalties

What Randy is Tracking: This bill creates additional penalties on the oil and gas industry and is scheduled for consideration by the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee.

SB23: Oil and Gas Royalty Rate Changes

What Randy is Tracking: This bill increases maximum royalty rates for the oil and gas industry and is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Finance Committee.

February 18th, 2025