Lead Sponsor Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo)

STATE News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would allow voters to take steps to modernize the State Legislature.

HJR 1, which passed by a vote of 59-4 would update the length of the state’s legislative sessions. Rather than alternating between 30- and 60-day sessions, this measure proposes 45-day sessions each year. Under HJR 1, there would be no restriction on the types of bills that could be considered in any given session, and veto overrides could be considered for bills from the previous sessions, including special or extraordinary legislative sessions, within a two-year framework.

HJR 2, which passed unanimously, would remove the Governor’s ability to pocket veto, which occurs when bills that are not acted upon by their signing deadline are automatically vetoed without an explanation. This measure would require a substantive explanation for any vetoes, and bills not acted upon by deadline would instead become law.

“The people of New Mexico deserve modern and transparent processes in their state government,” said the lead sponsor of HJR 1 and 2 Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo). “By standardizing our session lengths, removing outdated restrictions on legislation, and requiring more checks and balances on vetoes, we can better serve the people of our state.” 

Both of these measures are also sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington) and Sen. Pat Woods (R-Broadview).

If passed by both chambers of the legislature, these proposed Constitutional Amendments would then be on the ballot in the November 2026 election.

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.