SANTA FE, N.M. – The final stretch of the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session is here. With just three days remaining, lawmakers are pushing through the last major pieces of legislation before the March 22 adjournment at noon.
At this stage, any bill that has not yet been passed is at serious risk of failing, making these final days a decisive moment for Cibola County’s economic future, infrastructure projects, and policy priorities.
Senate Bills Impacting Cibola County
In the New Mexico Senate, which consists of 42 members, Cibola County is represented by Senators Angel Charley (D-Acoma, District 30) and George Muñoz (DGallup, District 4).
Senate Bill 5, the proposal to overhaul the State Game Commission, has now fully cleared the legislature. After passing in the House of Representatives with a 42-26 vote, the Senate concurred with House amendments, meaning the bill will now head to the governor’s desk for final approval.
Senate Bill 47, which updates land grant governance by adding the Santa Cruz de la Cañada Land Grant, has advanced through the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee and is now awaiting a full House vote. With little time left, its passage will likely come down to whether it reaches the floor before adjournment.
Senate Bill 115, which authorizes public infrastructure loans, including funding for the Bluewater Water and Sanitation District and the Village of Milan, has now cleared the House Appropriations & Finance Committee with amendments. This bill is now on the House calendar for a final vote. If it passes the House, it will need Senate concurrence before heading to the governor.
House Bills Impacting Cibola County
In the New Mexico House of Representatives, which consists of 70 members, Cibola is represented by Michelle Pauline Abeyta (D-To’hajiilee, District 69) and Martha Garcia (D-Pine Hill, District 6).
House Bill 294, which proposes allowing conservation easement land to be taxed at agricultural rates, remains stalled in committee and is unlikely to move forward this session.
The state budget bill, House Bill 2, has not been voted on by the Senate as of the press deadline. With less than three days left, lawmakers will need to move fast to finalize the state’s budget, which remains the most critical piece of legislation for Cibola County as it determines funding for local infrastructure, schools, and essential services.
House Bill 206, which provides funding for water infrastructure projects, including flood prevention in Cibola County and a water storage project for the Pueblo of Acoma, has now passed the House unanimously (63-0) and cleared the Senate Conservation Committee. It is now in the Senate Finance Committee, which must act quickly if this funding is to be secured before the session ends.
The Economic Battle for Cibola
House Bill 9, the controversial proposal to prevent cities and counties from contracting with the federal government for the detention of illegal immigrants, continues to move forward despite strong opposition from local leaders in Cibola County.
After passing the House 35-25, the bill has now cleared the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee with a Do Pass recommendation and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
If passed, the bill could endanger Cibola County’s contracts with CoreCivic and the Department of Homeland Security, which allow the Cibola County Correctional Center (CCCC) in Milan to house federal detainees and undocumented immigrants.
Supporters say the bill is a necessary step to reform New Mexico’s immigration policies, while opponents—including CoreCivic and local government officials—warn that it could lead to job losses and economic instability in Cibola County.
Uranium Mining Memorials
In a historic vote, both Senate Memorial 14 (introduced by Senator Angel Charley) and House Memorial 37 (introduced by Representative Michelle Pauline Abeyta) have passed in their respective chambers.
These memorials, while not legally binding, are the strongest statement yet from New Mexico’s legislature against uranium mining near Mount Taylor.
The memorials formally oppose any new uranium mining projects in the region and call for stronger protections of Mount Taylor’s status as a Traditional Cultural Property.
With ongoing national discussions about uranium production and energy independence, this policy statement could have lasting effects on future land use and economic decisions in Cibola County.
How Much Time Is Left?
As of March 19, the legislative session has just three days remaining before adjournment on March 22 at noon.
These final hours will be critical for:
• The state budget (House Bill 2)
• House Bill 206 – Water infrastructure in Acoma and Cibola County
• House Bill 9 – Immigrant Safety Act with the power to prevent contracts with ICE
• Senate Bill 47 & Senate Bill 115 – Land grant affirmation and water funding With lawmakers now working long hours, nights, and weekends, the next 72 hours will determine how many of Cibola County’s priorities cross the finish line.
The countdown is on.