(SANTA FE, NM) – The New Mexico Senate convened for a regular floor session on March 12, 2025 to consider executive nominations, debate legislation, and receive updates from the Senate Finance Committee regarding the forthcoming state budget. Today’s business included:
Confirming Gina Marie DeBlassie as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health
The New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Gina Marie DeBlassie as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health. Secretary DeBlassie boasts more than 30 years of healthcare experience and has been instrumental in establishing the state Health Care Authority and the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. She also briefly served as interim cabinet secretary of the state Aging and Long-Term Services Department in 2023.
“Gina DeBlassie will be an exceptional addition to Governor Lujan Grisham’s team. She’s well aware of the many pressing health-related issues facing our state, and her vast experience will ensure she can hit a home run as our Secretary for the Department of Health,” said Senator George Muñoz upon Secretary DeBlassie’s confirmation. “She’s trustworthy, reliable, and dependable, and I am happy to support this appointment.”
Creating a Medical Psilocybin Program in New Mexico
Passing by a vote of 33-4, Senate Bill 219 creates a medically supervised program for the medicinal use of psilocybin—the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Under the supervision and guidance of providers approved by the Department of Health, this bill would ensure access to new forms of treatment for those suffering from qualifying health conditions. This bill includes the establishment of a dedicated equity fund, to increase equitable treatment access for those who meet income requirements.
“The bill offers new hope for those individuals who have not yet found relief under conventional treatment options,” said Senate Bill 219 sponsor Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces). “When someone is struggling with mental health, how can you deny this treatment to them? It is the humane thing to do.”
Upon passage of Senate Bill 219, co-sponsor Senator Martin Hickey, MD said, “I have talked with people who have had clinical treatment, and the impacts are night and day. Today’s vote is the first step towards normalizing a proven therapy, under the care of trusted medical professionals.”
Protecting Rental Applicants from Excessive Fees and Requiring More Rental Agreement Transparency
Passing by a vote of 37-2, Senate Bill 267 requires the owner of a rental unit to disclose all terms of a rental agreement, including rent and fees, in the published listing. It also requires written notice from an applicant agreeing to those terms and fees. This bill would also allow applicants to provide their own background check and credit report dated within the last 90 days.
“With housing affordability hitting a crisis moment here in New Mexico, I’m so proud to bring forward this measure and receive broad bipartisan support,” said Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee Chair Senator Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces). “Making sure New Mexicans can afford to have a roof over their head isn’t a partisan issue.”
Additional Business Discussed:
- Reappointment of CHRIS HEFNER as State Mine Inspector (Confirmed 38-0)
- Senate Bill 52 – PUBLIC OFFICE TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT (Passed 38-0)
- Senate Bill 302 – GAMING CONTROL BOARD ACCESS BACKGROUND CHECKS (Passed 39-0)
- Senate Bill 303 – GAMING MACHINE STANDARDS (Passed 39-0)
- Senate Bill 303 – HARM TO SELF & OTHERS DEFINITION (Passed (39-0)
- House Bill 47 – VETERAN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS (Passed 39-0)
And, today in the House of Representatives:
Senate Bill 5, a piece of legislation aimed at modernizing New Mexico’s wildlife management system, passed on a vote of 42-26. The bill recognizes New Mexico’s long and proud tradition of responsible wildlife management, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy a healthy wildlife population and a thriving outdoor economy.
Senate Bill 163, legislation to protect the right of Native American students in New Mexico to wear tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to graduation ceremonies or public school events, passed unanimously.
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