Government Relations

2025 Legislative Session Updates

The 2025 New Mexico legislative session began at noon on January 21 and concluded at
noon on March 22. During the 60-day session there were 1200 plus bills filed, with 247
making it through the legislature and to the governor’s desk. The session started out like
gangbusters with the introduction of a lot of legislation in the opening weeks that resulted
in a hectic amount of activity in both chambers. There was a plan made with the executive
that many of the public safety and behavioral health initiatives would be dealt with during
the first part of the session, which is what mostly happened. As the session moved on past
the halfway point, the enthusiasm about hearing so much legislation slowed in both
chambers, and as a result many bills were not being heard in committee. Those that were
heard were mostly passed on a partisan basis and those that were voted down tended to
be republican sponsored legislation.

Unfortunately, the last 24 hours were overshadowed by a tragic mass casualty event in Las
Cruces that has prompted calls by the governor and Republican legislators to convene
another special session related to public safety. There may also be a special session
called later in the year to address Medicaid funding shortages that may hit New Mexico if it
becomes a target for federal spending cuts.

The April 11 deadline for the governor to act on all legislation sent to her has now passed.
Anything not acted upon after that date is considered “pocket vetoed” and officially dead
for this year. Of the 247 pieces of legislation passed, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed
160 bills, vetoed 18 bills and pocket vetoed 17 bills.

Massage Therapy-related Legislation in 2025 Legislative Session:

HB555 Phots for Licensed Massage Therapy – Failed to Pass Legislature:
HB 555 requires that a license to practice massage therapy issued under the Massage
Therapy Practice Act shall contain a photo of the license holder.

SB203 Massage Therapy Licensure Changes – Failed to Pass Legislature:
SB 203 seeks to tighten licensure requirements and establish rigorous oversight and
penalties, this act proposes to elevate the massage therapy profession, ensuring it is
recognized as a legitimate and professional healthcare service. The new regulations are
expected to foster a safer and more reliable environment for both practitioners and
consumers.