Republican Party of New Mexico

02/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/21/2026 12:01

Chairwoman Barela’s statement on the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026

RPNM releases statement on the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session

Santa Fe, NM - As we expected, this legislative session proved that Republicans are serious about wanting to make our communities safer, spend tax dollars efficiently and responsibly, & improve access to healthcare across our state. Democrats, however, approached the legislative session differently as they prioritized their 'hate-everything-Trump' policy agenda over everything else. Democrats went after Second Amendment rights, made New Mexico a safe haven for criminal illegal immigrants, increased government spending, and made every attempt to damage New Mexico's economic future.

"Instead of delivering real results for hardworking New Mexicans this legislative session, Democrats chased a radical left agenda that would have done irreparable harm to our great state," said Chairwoman Barela. "They went after our guns, demonized ICE, supported policy that would have crippled our state economy, and burdened taxpayers to pay for a grossly irresponsible budget that included pay-raises for lawmakers. If it wasn't for the work of Republicans in the House & Senate caucuses, New Mexico would be heading full steam in the worst direction imaginable."

Delivering Results for New Mexico:
Bills passed that matter to everyday New Mexicans

Medical Malpractice Reform (HB 99): This legislation seeks to curb excessive malpractice lawsuits that can drive physicians away from practicing in our state. This bill makes New Mexico more attractive to medical professionals which has not been the case for years.
Expanding Access to Healthcare (SB 1): Republicans helped secure passage of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, marking a significant step forward for New Mexico. By streamlining the licensing process, qualified physicians from other states can practice here more easily, helping to address our serious medical provider shortage.
Reducing Classroom Disruptions (SB 23): This proposal is designed to strengthen student achievement by prohibiting cell phone use during instructional hours. (It passed the Senate with strong support but did not advance in the House.)
Supporting Law Enforcement (HB 61): This measure increases penalties for individuals who assault law enforcement officers, reinforcing protections for those who serve our communities. This was a much needed solution for so many communities in our state.
Enhancing Public Safety (Harm to Self & Others, SB 3): This bill gives law enforcement and behavioral health professionals additional authority to require treatment for individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others and need critical intervention services.

Victories: Bad bills stopped by Republicans:
For several bills that posed significant danger to New Mexico, Republicans built coalitions and rallied to stop these bills from moving forward

Defeated: "Clear Horizons" Act (SB 18): Republicans successfully opposed legislation that sought to lock aggressive greenhouse gas reduction mandates into state law. The proposal would have placed significant strain on New Mexico's energy sector, threatening jobs and driving up utility costs for families and businesses. By emphasizing the economic consequences, Republicans prevented this measure from advancing.
Stopped: Firearms Legislation (SB 17): Republicans strongly resisted Senate Bill 17, which proposed new restrictions on commonly owned firearms along with additional regulatory requirements for federally licensed firearm dealers. These measures would have imposed new burdens on lawful business owners and citizens while failing to deter criminal activity. In short, as New Mexico has become infinitely more dangerous under Democrat control, this bill would make it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, their families, and their homes.
Stopped: Restrictions on Law Enforcement at Polling Locations (SB 261): Republicans opposed legislation that would have prohibited law enforcement officers from carrying firearms at polling places. This policy would have undermined public safety and leave voting locations more vulnerable to potential threats - creating yet another safe haven for criminals in New Mexico.

Terrible bills Republicans opposed:
Republicans were loud, persistent, and unified in their opposition to these disastrous bills

Sanctuary State Policy (HB 9): Republicans opposed House Bill 9, arguing it limits cooperation between state and federal law enforcement and makes it harder to remove dangerous criminals from our communities. This was an anti-Trump, anti-ICE, virtue-signaling policy by Democrats.
Universal Child Care Expansion (SB 241): While we support families who qualify for childcare assistance, Republicans rejected the Governor's universal child care plan due to its unsustainable cost. Creating a large new entitlement without long-term funding risks future tax increases and financial mismanagement.
Polling Location Restrictions (SB 264): This bill is political theater that restricts law enforcement at polling places without improving public safety, further deepening partisan tensions.
State Budget & Tax Increases (HB 2 & SB 151): Republicans unanimously opposed the $11.1 billion FY27 budget and additional tax hikes. Government spending has risen sharply in recent years, yet measurable improvements in public safety, infrastructure, and education have been non-existent.
Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Reporting (SB 30): Republicans objected to provisions that limit public access to data on taxpayer-funded abortions, arguing that transparency and accountability should apply to all publicly funded healthcare services.
Paid Legislature Proposal (HJR 5): Republicans opposed the proposed $67,000 annual legislative salary. Given the mountain of problems our state faces - many of which were left completely unaddressed during Session - and the lack of accountability from our Democrat leaders surrounding those problems, lawmakers do not deserve a raise. It is a slap in the face to every hard working New Mexican who, if they performed at their job the same way Democrats have delivered for New Mexico, would be fired on the spot.

We want to thank everyone who took the time to make phone calls, send emails, attend meetings, and travel back and forth to help save our great state during this legislative session.

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Republican Party of New Mexico published this content on February 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 21, 2026 at 18:01 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]