March 11, 2025
(SANTA FE, NM) – The New Mexico Senate convened for a floor session on March 11, 2025. Business conducted today:
Alleviates Social Work Licensing Shortage
Passing unanimously (36-0), Senate Bill 105 allows licensed out-of-state social workers to practice in New Mexico by enacting the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. The Compact would facilitate interstate services, both in-person and telehealth, increasing New Mexicans’ access to critical services.
“As a longstanding advocate to improve child wellbeing and make sure our social services are meeting our communities’ needs, it’s clear that our communities and agencies are short-staffed, and have been for years,” said Senate Bill 105 sponsor Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe). “Not only does this legislation address serious workforce shortages and attract quality social workers to New Mexico, but it makes clear that culturally competent care is our expectation from the start.”
“Whether for a quick stopover or a long-term change of station, New Mexico serves as home to scores of military servicemembers and their families,” said Senate Bill 105 co-sponsor Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque). “This will help make their transition to the Land of Enchantment just that much smoother, and I am proud to share my support.”
Updates State Materials for Organ Donor Registration
Both nationally and in New Mexico, there is a dire shortage of organs available for transplantation to seriously ill patients. Under Senate Bill 118, the MVD would create educational materials about how to become an organ donor. The materials would be distributed to various state agencies. In 2024, the gifts of 90 organ donor heroes resulted in 207 lifesaving organ transplants. The bill passed 37-0.
“This bill makes sure our state agencies have access to the latest research and data, and that we can share that information with New Mexicans who want to know more about the process of registering as an organ donor,” said Senate Bill 118 sponsor Senator Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D-Cerrillos).
Honors the Cultural, Ecological, and Spiritual Significance of Mt. Taylor
By a vote of 21-14, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Memorial 14. This memorial reaffirms the state of New Mexico’s commitment to honor, protect, and preserve the ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance of Mt. Taylor and express opposition to uranium mining projects which threaten its ecological and sacred integrity. Senate Memorial 14 received unanimous backing from all 20 tribal communities which comprise the All Pueblo Council of Governors. In 2009, after significant advocacy from the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as the Hopi Tribe in Arizona and the Navajo Nation — of which, Mt. Taylor is one of their four sacred mountains – Mt. Taylor was officially designated a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP).
“Mt. Taylor, which is known to Indigenous people across the Southwest by several traditional names – “Tsibina” in my language, Laguna; “Kaweshtima” in Acoma, where I live – it is a sacred place that has been central to the cultural, spiritual, and historical integrity of many tribes for countless generations,” said Senate Memorial 14 Sponsor Senator Angel Charley (D – Acoma) in testimony to the Senate Conservation Committee. “I truly believe that what happens to the land happens to the people. When we take from the land, when we desecrate the land, when we harm the land, so too will we hurt the people that are from that land. We’ve seen the consequences of uranium mining in New Mexico, and we know how this story goes.”
“For generations, our people have journeyed to Kaweshtima, Mt. Taylor, to conduct ceremonies, harvest medicinal plants, and offer prayers,” said Governor Charles Riley of the Pueblo of Acoma. “The mountain is not just land—it is a living, sacred entity that must be protected. Every blast from these mines would be an assault on our traditions. We are grateful to the sponsors of these memorials for their leadership in ensuring that this sacred site remains untouched for future generations.”
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 159 – INDEPENDENT THEATER BEER & WINE LICENSES (Passes 37-0)
- Senate Bill 213 – YIELDING TO TRANSIT BUSES (Passes 38-0)
- Senate Bill 376 – STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFIT CONTRIBUTIONS (Passes 36-2)
- Senate Bill 221 – ADDITIONAL UNFAIR INSURANCE CLAIMS PRACTICE (Passes 37-0)
- Senate Memorial 2 – WILDFIRE STUDY GROUP (Passes 36-0)
- Senate Memorial 19 – NEW MEXICO MEAT, CHEESE & PRODUCE IN SCHOOLS (Passes 43-0)
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