Legislative Update February 1, 2025
Hello friends and neighbors of District 56,
I appreciate all the emails, calls, and texts from constituents who are deeply concerned about the bills making their way through the legislature. Rest assured, I hear you, and I am working to protect the values and livelihoods of our communities. This past week was filled with important work, particularly in Education, where we have been handling necessary housekeeping. This week, we will begin hearing our first bills. Meanwhile, in Appropriations, we have been reviewing budgets and special requests as we move toward finalizing HB2.
HB 11, the Paid Family Medical Leave Act, was passed along party lines in the House Health and Human Services Committee and is now awaiting consideration in the House Consumer and Economic Development Committee. This bill represents yet another tax increase on both employers and employees, taking additional money out of paychecks while creating more barriers for small businesses. I opposed this bill last year and will vote against it again when it reaches the House floor.
HB 12, which proposes changes to Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Orders, and HB 38, which addresses the possession of weapon conversion devices, were also passed on party-line votes in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. I want to recognize the efforts of Representatives John Block and Stefani Lord, who worked tirelessly to stand up for responsible gun owners and protect constitutional rights. We will continue to monitor these bills closely and work to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not unfairly targeted.
For those interested in tracking the bills I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring, you can visit nmlegis.gov. Bills are attached below:
HB 175 - Forest and Watershed Buffer Projects
HB 176 - Backup Power Generation Tax Credit
HB 177 - Home School Curriculum Material Tax Credit
HB 207 - Adoption of Special Needs Child Tax Credit
HB 208 - Hunting and Fishing License Voter Registration
HM 7 - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
SB 15 - Volunteer EMS and Firefighter Tax Credits
SB 33 - Wildfire Preparedness Act
SB 81 - NM Property Insurance Program Association Board
SB 134 - Natural Disaster Loans and Fund
HB 161 - State Park Day Passes for Veterans
HB 162 - Repeal Firearm Sale Waiting Period
HB 172 - New Mexico Red and Green Chile Month
As we move forward, I am preparing to take a proactive approach in supporting legislation that benefits my district and the state while remaining steadfast in opposing policies that increase taxes, restrict freedoms, or place unnecessary burdens on hardworking New Mexicans. It is essential that we remain engaged and informed as we work to defend our values, rights, and way of life.
God bless!
Respectfully,
Representative Harlan Vincent
District 56
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