Rep. Christine Chandler

NMDP News:

SANTA FE — A bill prohibiting discrimination based on a person’s military or veteran status passed the House Judiciary Committee Friday and will be heard next on the House floor.

Sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Rep. Harry Garcia (D-Grants), House Bill 113 would add New Mexico veterans, members of the military, and our New Mexico National Guard and Air Guard, as a protected class under the state’s Human Rights Act. 

“We cannot forget our veterans and service members as we forge a more equitable future for all New Mexicans,” Rep. Chandler said. “It is my honor to be a co-sponsor on this bill with Rep. Garcia, and to do this little bit for those who’ve done so much for us and our nation.”

Rep. Harry Garcia

“It is not right to thank our active military and veterans for their service on one hand, while discriminating against them on the other,” said Rep. Garcia, a United States Marine Vietnam veteran. “If we’re to live up to the values of our country in honoring those who’ve served, which includes our New Mexico National Guard and Air Guard, we must protect their ability to get a job, a home, and all the freedoms for which they sacrificed.”

House Bill 113 passed the House Judiciary Committee with a 11-1 vote, and will now head to the House floor for a full vote. 

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.