Santa Fe, New Mexico – February 13, 2026 — New Mexico lawmakers advanced several key bills Thursday, addressing issues ranging from unspent infrastructure funds to Medicare access and data privacy.
The state Senate and House took action on legislation concerning capital outlay, healthcare, tax code adjustments, and automated license plate reader data, signaling progress on several legislative priorities.
- The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved a bill aimed at reducing billions of dollars in unspent capital outlay funds.
- A bill requiring Medicare supplement policies to offer a 60-day open enrollment period passed the Senate after initial opposition.
- The Senate passed a measure to limit the sharing of automated license plate reader data, raising privacy concerns.
- Lawmakers also approved a tax code cleanup bill addressing various credits and deductions.
Capital Outlay Funds
The Senate Finance Committee gave unanimous approval to House Bill 247, a measure designed to address the issue of billions of dollars remaining unspent in approved capital outlay projects, according to reporting from The Santa Fe New Mexican. The bill, sponsored by Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo, limits reauthorizations for capital projects.
Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, the committee chair, said the change is “overdue,” noting that “$7 billion” is currently sitting unused. The city of Santa Fe is seeking reauthorization of $1.7 million in unspent funds for projects including road construction, affordable housing, and police equipment.
Medicare Enrollment Bill Passes Senate
After an initial setback, Senate Bill 21 passed the Senate with a unanimous 36-0 vote. The bill would require Medicare supplement policy issuers to offer a 60-day open enrollment period to policyholders age 65 and older, beginning on the first day of their birthday month. The bill’s path to passage was not without its challenges, as it initially failed by a vote of 9-27.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rex Wilson, R-Ancho, faced playful questioning from colleagues, including a revelation that he is a Capricorn. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, joked that he had received 100 emails opposing the bill from Wilson’s hometown. Aging Department Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach praised the bill’s passage, stating, “Medicare should provide peace of mind, not uncertainty.”
License Plate Data Privacy
The Senate passed Senate Bill 40 on a 32-8 vote, sending a bill limiting the sharing of automated license plate reader data to the House. The legislation, known as the Driver and Safety Privacy Act, would prohibit the sale or sharing of data with third parties if there is a reasonable belief it could be used for immigration enforcement, to investigate protected healthcare activities—including abortion and transgender care—or to punish individuals for exercising their constitutional rights.
Bill sponsor Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said the bill was prompted by reports from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico that out-of-state entities were accessing New Mexico license plate data to investigate healthcare decisions and immigration cases. Wirth emphasized that the bill does not limit law enforcement’s use of the data.
Tax Code Adjustments
House Bill 291, the annual tax code cleanup bill, passed the House 59-8. The measure addresses loopholes in the film tax credit, clarifies provisions related to technology jobs and research and development, and adjusts the tobacco products tax, according to a statement from the state Taxation and Revenue Department. It also allows the department to round tax amounts to the nearest five cents, aligning with the federal elimination of the penny.
House Republicans criticized the majority for rejecting an amendment proposed by Rep. Mark Duncan, R-Kirtland, which would have included tax cuts on tips, overtime pay, and social security benefits.
Why It Matters
These legislative actions reflect a broader effort by New Mexico lawmakers to address long-standing issues and modernize state policies. The capital outlay bill aims to ensure that infrastructure funds are used effectively, while the Medicare bill seeks to improve access to healthcare for seniors. The license plate reader bill highlights a growing concern over data privacy and the potential for misuse of surveillance technology. These developments demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance and protecting the rights of New Mexico residents.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Santa Fe New Mexican and added independent analysis and context.
