Special session at the Roundhouse begins, some House and Senate bills pass

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Another special session has begun with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham considering bills on Wednesday that she says should protect New Mexicans from federal budget cuts. The governor called this special session a response to the Trump administration’s ” One Big Beautiful Bill,” which outlines eventual cuts to major programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

Democrats still hold a majority in both chambers of the Roundhouse and have signaled support for the governor’s agenda. 

“The issues we are dealing with in the special session, they are urgent, they are happening right now, and we are laser-focused on minimizing and limiting the impact on our people,” said Representative Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque), Speaker of the House. 

Lawmakers got underway around noon and are promising a quick session to debate five bills. Two bills in the House aim to make changes for the New Mexico Health Care Authority, including expanding eligibility and coverage for people at risk of losing federal coverage.  

Meanwhile, there are three bills on the Senate side. One of those bills would give the state power to decide its vaccine requirements. Another bill would let the Albuquerque Metro Court retain jurisdiction of a case where a defendant’s competency is questioned. There’s also a bill to expand the Rural Health Care Development fund in the face of an expected loss in revenue for smaller New Mexico hospitals.  

“The rural health care development fund currently grants only to new or expanded services; we’re allowing now those grants to existing rural providers that are facing closure or service cuts, to use emergency stabilization,” said Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), President Pro Tempore. 

The House passed HB1 on a 43-24 vote and now heads to the Senate for debate. It includes nearly $30 million for food assistance, $50 million for rural providers and hospitals facing cuts to Medicaid and federal funding. It also includes $6 million for public broadcasting in the state.

The House passed HB2 on a 49-13 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate. That bill would allow the state to provide subsidiaries from its health care affordability fund to replace federal tax credits and keep premium costs low.

The Senate unanimously approved SB1, which helps rural hospitals facing federal budget cuts, and SB2 on criminal competency laws. The Senate also approved SB3 to ensure state immunization rules align with guidance from medical authorities.

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