LATEST LEGISLATION EFFORTS
SB 376 - STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFIT CONTRIBUTIONS
SUMMARY: Line 16, Section 6 - Cover a portion or all of the net premiums for members of the New Mexico National Guard who qualify for a federal TRICARE reserve select policy.
CAO 5 Mar 2025/Update Below:
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Permits the Health Care Authority to cover a portion or all of the net premiums for members of the New Mexico National Guard who qualify for Tricare Reserve Select policy.
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This is for the Soldiers and Airmen that currently do not have healthcare coverage.
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Business practices and rules will be established if this bill is passed. Please do not drop your healthcare coverage if you have it!
SB376 passed the Senate Finance Committee (SJC) on 5 March 2025 and is currently being scheduled for the Senate Floor vote in the coming days. The Senate floor is where all the Senators get to discuss and vote on the bill prior to heading to the House if passed. This venue is not intended for community discussion, but we will get the webcast info out to all to view the outcomes. If passed, the bill will be assigned to House committees, and we will keep you abreast to the dates, times, and attendance opportunities to support.
SB 161 - BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR DMA EMPLOYEES
AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS; REQUIRING STATE AND NATIONAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS EMPLOYMENT OR VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS OR EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MINORS ATTENDING THE YOUTH CHALLENGE
CAO 5 Mar 2025/Update Below:
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Allows DMA to obtain ORI to submit background checks through FBI for DMA youth program employees that have unfettered access to children.
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Allows TAG to used State Active Duty to support Youth Programs (Governors Summer Challenge).
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Allows TAG to use other funds to support youth programs.
SB161 passed the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee (HLVMC) on 4 March 2025 and is currently being scheduled with the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) in the coming days. There is some probability that the bill will bypass the HJC and go directly to the House Floor for a vote, which would be the last step prior to Governor’s signature.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION EFFORTS
2024 POST LEGISLATIVE SESSION
This is the first in what should be a post legislative report. As the bills popululate at the NMSOS office I will send updates
We are following HB 252 which has the sunset language
All the bills are attached less the amendments follow the link provided to view in more detail. https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/BillFinder/Subject
The following bills are introduced this session that were either heard or assigned to a committee for a hearing
HB 224
VETERANS' BENEFITS POSTERS sine die
HB 235DEPT. OF DEFENSE RECOMMENDED CHANGES sine die
HB 240VETERAN PTSD PROGRAM tabled, to be funded through DOH
HB 264MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY TAX EXEMPTION SUNSET is nowpart of HB252
HB 298SERVICE MEMBERS SUICIDE PREVENTION PASSED
HB 302DEPT. OF DEFENSE MILITARY RECOMMENDATIONS PASSED
HJR 11KIRTLAND AFB LAND JURISDICTION PASSED
SB 56ARMED SERVICE RETIREMENT PAY TAX SUNSET sine die
SB 125ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT PAY TAX SUNSET is now part of HB252
SUBMIT YOUR RESOLUTION IDEAS
This form can be used to formulate proposals for new state resolutions or changes to standing state resolutions. Each form must contain only one recommendation.
Save and submit resolutions to secretary@nmnga.net
Modify 10 U.S. Code § 10541 and DOD 7000.14-R to allow National Guard Reserve Equipment Appropriation funding to be used for software and other items not currently considered procurement.
Check out more at the National Guard Association of the United States.