February 12, 2016

 

In This Issue:

1. House Hearing on Choice Billing

2. House Holds Hearing on VA Housing Programs

3. Busy Legislative Week for the House

4. President’s Budget Request

5. VA Reevaluates Blue Water Navy Definition

6. IOM Report on Gulf War Illness

7. Proposed Tricare Changes

 

1. House Hearing on Choice Billing: On Thursday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA’s proposal to consolidate its community care programs. Specifically, the committee heard testimony from the VFW, VA, the VA Inspector General, Government Accountability Office, and the American Legion regarding billing issues veterans and Choice providers have experienced when using the Choice Program. VFW Senior Legislative Associate Carlos Fuentes urged the committee and VA to fully integrate Choice program providers into the VA health care system to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and allow veterans to move seamlessly between VA medical facilities and community providers without experiencing long delays and being needlessly billed for their care. VA also introduced a phone number, 877-881-7618, for veterans to call if their credit has been adversely affected by VA billing issues. To view a video of the hearing, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfTvQTYc7uA.

 

2. House Holds Hearing on VA Housing Programs: On Wednesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing entitled “A Review of VA’s Loan Guaranty and Specially Adaptive Housing Grant Programs (SAH).”  The subcommittee acknowledged that the VA Home Loan Program is a popular benefit, having served over 22 million veterans since its inception in 1944, and a successful program with VA-backed loans enjoying a lower foreclosure and delinquency rate than the national average. Still, there are always ways to improve. Representatives from the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Organization of Realtors both noted that the misperception exists in the mortgage industry that the VA loan program is difficult to navigate, and therefore, veterans are sometimes discouraged by lenders and realtors to initiate the process. Eliminating this misperception is key to ensuring more veterans use the program. The SAH program was also discussed, with an emphasis on ways to make it more veteran-centric by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. To watch a webcast of the hearing, click here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/a-review-of-va-s-loan-guaranty-and-specially-adaptive-housing-grant-programs-sah.

 

3. Busy Legislative Week for the House: On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a host of veteran related bills. These included: H.R. 3016, Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act; H.R. 3106, Construction Reform Act of 2016; H.R. 2360, Career-Ready Student Veterans Act of 2015; H.R. 677, American Heroes COLA Act of 2015; H.R. 3234, Failing VA Medical Center Recovery Act; and H.R. 2915, Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. Many of these measures had been amended during the committee process to include language from dozens of additional bills that the VFW has testified on during the 114th Congress. Important provisions include vastly improved postnatal care for female veterans, expanded canine therapy for veterans suffering with PTSD, extension of the Yellow Ribbon Program to Fry Scholarship recipients, the removal of the cap on VA home loan guarantees, automatic annual COLA adjustments for VA benefits, and the requirement that VA accept private evidence for disability compensation claims. These bills now move to the Senate for consideration. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for future updates.

 

4. President’s Budget Request: On Tuesday, the administration released its $4.23 trillion Fiscal Year 2017 budget request. The request includes $78.7 billion for VA’s discretionary accounts, which includes $68 billion for medical services. The VFW is pleased with the administration’s overall medical care funding level for FY2017 and the overall discretionary funding level, but believes the advance appropriations proposal for medical services in FY2018 would be woefully inadequate to meet continually growing demand for VA health care services. The VFW also joined its Independent Budget partners to release the IB’s budget recommendations for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018. The annual report, which outlines funding requirements for VA programs, proposes $84.4 billion for FY2017, including $72.8 billion for medical services, $3.1 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration and $2.5 billion for construction projects. For a summary of VA’s budget request, visit: http://www.va.gov/budget/docs/summary/Fy2017-VAsBudgetFactSheet.pdf. To read the IB’s budget recommendations, visit: http://www.independentbudget.org/2017/IB_BudgetReport_for_the_VAforFY2017_FY2018_fnl.pdf.  

 

5. VA Reevaluates Blue Water Navy Definition: A recent Veterans Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decision, Gray v. McDonald, required that VA reevaluate and clarify its definition of “inland waterways.” For purposes of adjudicating disability claims regarding Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, VA will now determine if a body of water is considered an inland waterway by drawing straight lines across the opening in the landmass leading to the open ocean or other offshore water feature, such as a bay or inlet. VA’s modified interpretation does not meet the intent of the Gray v. McDonald decision. The VFW is deeply disappointed that VA’s modified interpretation of inland waterways continues to arbitrarily and unjustly exclude veterans who served aboard ships in the coastal waters of Vietnam and are denied presumptive benefits associated with Agent Orange exposure. For this reason, the VFW will continue to urge Congress to pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for updates on this change. To receive assistance with a VA disability claim, contact a local VFW Service Officer at: http://www.vfw.org/NVS/.

 

6. IOM Report on Gulf War Illness: On Thursday, the Institute of Medicine released a new report on the health conditions related to toxic exposure during the Gulf War. Due to the lack of new research since its last report and the fact that VA has not completed studies that Congress has mandated, IOM was unable to make new determinations on the relationship between health conditions and toxic exposure during the Gulf War. IOM was able to determine that Gulf War Illness is not a psychosomatic illness. However, it recommended that future research acknowledge the interconnection of brain and body for treatment. IOM also recommended that DOD and VA incorporate emerging technologies and personalized approaches to medical care and biomonitoring in future conflicts to better identify chemical exposures. To read more, visit: http://iom.nationalacademies.org/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2016/IOM_Gulf_War_Volume_10/Report-in-Brief.pdf.

 

7. Proposed Tricare Changes: The Pentagon’s FY2017 budget request once again proposes higher enrollment fees and copayments for working age military retirees and those aged 65 and older. Defense officials say the higher out-of-pocket costs will bring about better service and lower cumulative costs, but only after more details are learned can that judgement be made or disproved. One push DOD is trying to make is to get all beneficiaries to maximize the use of military treatment facilities (MTFs) and Tricare’s mail-order pharmacy. The two current Tricare programs of Prime and Standard/Extra will be renamed Tricare Select and Tricare Choice.

-- Active-duty-families: Tricare Select will be available at no cost to active-duty family members provided they use MTFs or network providers. Tricare Choice will also be available at no cost to active-duty family members if they use an MTF, but will add modest copays ranging from $15 for in-network primary care to $50 for in-network emergency care. All active-duty family members would incur a 20-percent copay for using non-network providers regardless of plan.

-- Retirees under age 65: The current family rate for those enrolled in Tricare Prime is essentially $565. Under the new Tricare Select, the annual enrollment fee would rise 24 percent to $700. Under Tricare Choice, the family enrollment rate would be $900, whereas the exiting Tricare Standard/Extra programs have no enrollment fee. Regardless of plan, retirees would incur no copay if using an MTF. For network care, Select enrollees would incur copays ranging from $20 for primary care to $75 for emergency care, and Choice enrollees would see copays of $25 for primary care and $90 for emergency care. Both plans would see 25 percent copays for non-network care.

-- Retirees 65 and older: Retirees in the rank of O-6 and below would pay 0.25 percent of their gross retired pay to enroll in Tricare for Life, which acts as a secondary insurance to Medicare Part B. The quarter-percent enrollment fee would gradually increase to 1 percent by FY 2020. Flag officers, or those in the ranks of O-7 and above, would pay a $100 enrollment fee in FY 2017, which would gradually increase to $400 in FY 2020.

-- Retiree pharmacy copays: The Pentagon is again pushing the use of Tricare’s mail-order pharmacy, since provides a three-month supply of medications for the same cost or less of a one-month refill from a network pharmacy. More about the home delivery program here: http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/FillPrescriptions/HomeDelivery.aspx.

 

 

To sign up new veterans’ advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm.

 

As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

This is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation for the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

 

The deadline for introduction of all bills has passed (February 3).

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

___________________

 

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:    For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 58‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—Senate Education Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 311 (Revised 02/11/2016)

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referred to House Business & Employment.

                     02/04/2016—H Also referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Business & Employment.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 307 (Revised 02/11/2016)

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:    (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:    (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 59‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:    (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:    Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:    Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:    Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/10/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

                     02/10/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/10/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:    Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/05/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:    Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/05/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 65‑0.

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:    Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:    (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:    (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:    (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:    Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/06/2016 – Senate Judiciary Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/06/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—Senate Judiciary Committee, 2:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour after session, Room 321

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:    Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:    Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     2nd House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/10/2016 – House Calendar

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

                     02/04/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/04/2016—S Passed 36‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Received in the House and referred to House Education.

                     02/10/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Education.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:    Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:    Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/08/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Corporations & Transportation.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/05/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:    Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/10/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass as amended by Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:    Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/10/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Scheduled:  02/16/2016—Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 303

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/11/2016 – Passed in the Senate

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

                     02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/11/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/11/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:    Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:    Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/10/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/06/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/06/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/06/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/06/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/10/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/10/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM102

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            MILITARY AND VETERANS’ DAY

Summary:    Declares February 15, 2016 to be “Military and Veterans’ Day” in the Senate and that gratitude be extended to New Mexico’s current and former military service members for their service and sacrifices for their country. Honors the New Mexico National Guard on the 100 year anniversary of its first federal activation, and New Mexico’s citizen soldiers for answering the call when brave men and women are needed at home or when warriors are needed abroad in times of international crisis.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         02/11/2016 – President's Table

History:        02/11/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chamber

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us

This is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation for the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

The deadline for introduction of all bills has passed (February 3).

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

___________________

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:    For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

                    02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                    02/05/2016—H Passed 58‑0.

                    02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education.

                    02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/12/2016—Senate Education Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 311

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                    01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    02/04/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    02/04/2016—H Referred to House Business & Employment.

                    02/04/2016—H Also referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Business & Employment.

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:    (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:    (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

                    02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                    02/05/2016—H Passed 59‑0.

                    02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:    (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:    Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                    01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                    02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:    Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:    Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/10/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                    02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                    02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                    02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

                    02/10/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                    02/10/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:    Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                    02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                    02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

                    02/05/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                    02/05/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:    Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                    02/05/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                    02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                    02/05/2016—H Passed 65‑0.

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:    Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:    (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:    (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:    (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:    Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/06/2016 – Senate Judiciary Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                    02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/06/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:    Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:    Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     2nd House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/10/2016 – House Calendar

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                    01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                    02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

                    02/04/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                    02/04/2016—S Passed 36‑0.

                    02/05/2016—H Received in the House and referred to House Education.

                    02/10/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Education.

Scheduled:  02/11/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:    Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:    Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/08/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Corporations & Transportation.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/05/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:    Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/10/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                    02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass as amended by Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:    Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/10/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                    02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                    02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/10/2016 – Senate Calendar

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

                    02/10/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/11/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chambers

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:    Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                    02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                    02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                    02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                    02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                    02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                    02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:    Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/10/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                    02/06/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                    02/06/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                    02/06/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                    02/06/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                    02/10/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                    02/10/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Respectfully,

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us<http://www.dvs.state.nm.us/>

This is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation for the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

 

The deadline for introduction of all bills has passed (February 3).

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

___________________

 

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:    For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 58‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referred to House Business & Employment.

                     02/04/2016—H Also referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Business & Employment.

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:    (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:    (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 59‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:    (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:    Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/09/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     02/09/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:    Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:    Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:    Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/05/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:    Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/05/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 65‑0.

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:    Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:    (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:    (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:    (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:    Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/06/2016 – Senate Judiciary Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/06/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:    Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:    Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – House Education Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

                     02/04/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/04/2016—S Passed 36‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Received in the House and referred to House Education.

Scheduled:  02/10/2016—House Education Committee, 8:00 a.m., Room 317 (Revised 02/08/2016)

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:    Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:    Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/08/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Corporations & Transportation.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/05/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:    Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:    Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/10/2016—Senate Rules Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 321

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:    Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:    Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/06/2016 – Passed in the Senate

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/06/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/06/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/06/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/06/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us

Here is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation introduced in the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:   For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 58‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Education.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/04/2016 – House Business and Employment Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referred to House Business & Employment.

                     02/04/2016—H Also referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—House Business and Employment Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 307 (Revised 02/08/2016)

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:   (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:   (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 59‑0.

                     02/08/2016—S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/08/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:   (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:   Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – House Health Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—House Health Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 309

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:   Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:   Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:   Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/05/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:   Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/05/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 65‑0.

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:   Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:   (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:   (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:   (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:   Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/06/2016 – Senate Judiciary Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/06/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:   Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:   Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – House Education Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

                     02/04/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/04/2016—S Passed 36‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Received in the House and referred to House Education.

Scheduled:  02/10/2016—House Education Committee, 8:00 a.m., Room 317 (Revised 02/08/2016)

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:   Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:   Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/08/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/08/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Corporations & Transportation.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/05/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:   Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 303

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:   Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—Senate Public Affairs Committee, 1:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour after floor session, Room 321 (Revised 02/08/2016)

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:   Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:   Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/06/2016 – Passed in the Senate

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/06/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/06/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/06/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/06/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us

Here is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation introduced in the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

 

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:   For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 58‑0.

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/04/2016 – House Business and Employment Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     02/04/2016—H Referred to House Business & Employment.

                     02/04/2016—H Also referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—House Business and Employment Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 307 (Revised 02/06/2016)

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:   (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:   (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 59‑0.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:   (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:   Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – House Health Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—House Health Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 309

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:   Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:   Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:   Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Signed by Officers of House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/05/2016—H Signed by Officers of House.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:   Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/05/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/05/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/05/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/05/2016—H Passed 65‑0.

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:   Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:   (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:   (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:   (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:   Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/06/2016 – Senate Judiciary Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/06/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:   Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:   Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     2nd House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – House Education Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

                     02/04/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/04/2016—S Passed 36‑0.

                     02/05/2016—H Received in the House and referred to House Education.

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:   Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:   Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/05/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/05/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:   Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 303

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:   Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Scheduled:  02/09/2016—Senate Public Affairs Committee, 1:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour after floor session, Room 321

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:   Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:   Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/06/2016 – Passed in the Senate

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/06/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/06/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/06/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/06/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us

Here is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation introduced in the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process.

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

___________________

 

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/. You will find information on all introduced legislation, the contact information for legislators, and much more helpful information about the Legislature.

 

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:   For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     1st House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Calendar

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Education.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:   (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:   (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/02/2016 – House Calendar

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Ways & Means.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:   (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:   (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:   Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – House Health Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

Bill:               HB318

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            JOB‑READINESS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS

Summary:   Establishes a joint one year program of the Workforce Solutions Department, the Veteran’s Services Department and Albuquerque to provide job‑readiness services to homeless clients. Makes an appropriation of $150,000 (GF 2017) to fund the program.

Subjects:     Municipalities/City Government; State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB320

Sponsors:    Roybal‑Caballero (D13)

Title:            CHARITY GAMING EVENT EXEMPTION

Summary:   Amends the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to exempt “charity gaming events” from provisions of the act. The exemption is aimed at charitable fundraising games held by a qualified organization that are played for entertainment such as a poker run, poker tournament, bingo, raffles, pull‑tabs, dice, playing cards and mechanical wheels.

Subjects:     Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Products; Gambling; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        02/03/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/03/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/03/2016—H Opened for floor debate.

                     02/03/2016—H Passed 67‑0.

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:   Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/01/2016 – Passed in the House

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

                     02/01/2016—H Removed from Speaker's table.

                     02/01/2016—H Passed 64‑0.

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:   Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/29/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:   Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:   (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:   (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:   (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:   Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/01/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

                     02/01/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/05/2016—Senate Public Affairs Committee, 1:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour after floor session, Room 326

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:   Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:   Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     1st House: Reported from Committees

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Calendar

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Education.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chamber

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:   Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Conservation.

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:   Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:   (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—Senate Public Affairs Committee, 1:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour after the floor session, Room 321 (Revised 02/03/2016)

Bill:               SB273

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            MARKET STUDY: NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MUSEUM & VETERANS CENTER

Summary:   Appropriates $175,000 (GF 2017) to the Indian Affairs Department to conduct a feasibility and market study regarding visitors and traffic at a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Veterans Center located in McKinley County

Subjects:     Appropriations; Indians; Cultural Affairs; County Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SJM16

Sponsors:    Pinto (D3)

Title:            FUNDING REQUEST FOR A NAVAJO CODE TALKER MUSEUM AND VETERAN’S CENTER

Summary:   Joint Memorial expressing appreciation to the Navajo Code Talkers Association and requesting the United States Congress to provide funding for the planning, design and construction of the Navajo Code Talker Museum and Veteran’s Center.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Indians; Legislature

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/02/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        02/02/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     02/02/2016—S Also referred to Senate Indian & Cultural Affairs.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:   (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         02/03/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     02/03/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Rules.

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:   Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     1st House: Passed

Status:         02/03/2016 – Signed by Officers of Senate

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

                     02/01/2016—S Removed from President's table.

                     02/01/2016—S Placed on Senate Calendar.

                     02/01/2016—S Opened for floor debate.

                     02/01/2016—S Passed 43‑0.

                     02/03/2016—S Enrolled and engrossed.

                     02/03/2016—S Signed by Officers of Senate.

Bill:               SM76

Sponsors:    Payne (R20)

Title:            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CORPS

Summary:   Memorial recognizing and congratulating the Army Reserve Training Corps for its 100th anniversary.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Legislature

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         02/03/2016 – President's Table

History:        02/03/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

Scheduled:  02/04/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chamber

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us

 

Here is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation introduced in the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process. The deadline for introduction of all legislation is February 3.

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

___________________

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/. You will find information on all introduced legislation, the contact information for legislators, and much more helpful information about the Legislature.

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:    For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/03/2016—House Education Committee, 8:00 a.m., Room 317 (Revised 01/29/2016)

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                    01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:    (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:    (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Ways and Means Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                    01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                    01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:    (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga�€‘Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:    Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – House Health Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                    01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/19/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:    Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/19/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:    Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/29/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:    Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:    (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post�€‘secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – Senate Committee on Committees

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                    01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:    (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW�€‘INCOME VETS

Summary:    (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:    Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:    Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full�€‘time�€‘equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:    Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                    01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:    Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/26/2016 – Senate Conservation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/02/2016—Senate Conservation Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 311

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:    Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one�€‘fourth be expended for training veterans and one�€‘fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                    01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                    01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                    01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                    01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                    01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:    Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/29/2016 – President's Table

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chamber

Respectfully,

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us<http://www.dvs.state.nm.us/>

From: Laverne Lester <llester2@hotmail.com>

Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 7:13 AM

To: Laverne Lester

Subject: VFW February Events

 

  Tuesday, February 2nd - Ground Hog Day

Friday, February 5th - Dart Tournament

Saturday, February 6th - Mid Winter Conference in Albuquerque - VFW and Auxiliary

Sunday February 7th - Super Bowl - Canteen opens at 2:00 PM - Pot Luck - Everyone bring some food.

Thursday, February 11th - House Committee Meeting - 5:30 PM

Sunday, February 14th - Valentines Day

Monday, February 15th - President's Day

Thursday, February 18th - VFW and Auxiliary Meeting - 6:30 PM

Sunday, February 21st - District 7 Meeting - Carlsbad - 11:00 AM

Here is today’s morning’s update on veteran-related legislation introduced in the 2016 New Mexico Legislature.

 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will provide this Daily Veteran-Related Legislation Update as a courtesy to our state’s veterans for the duration of the Session—which convened at noon on January 19 and adjourns at noon on February 18.

 

This daily update will contain information about all introduced veteran-related bills/memorials/resolutions--and show their status in the legislative process. The deadline for introduction of all legislation is February 3.

 

All bills must pass their assigned committee hearings before reaching the floor of the House or Senate for a full vote. If a bill is passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor’s office for possible signature into state law.

 

___________________

 

 

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to attend a bill’s assigned hearings to learn about and show support for these bills. Legislators do­ take note of large crowds as being indicative of a bill’s importance to the veteran community.

 

For more information about the 2016 Legislature, go to the 2016 Legislature website at http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/. You will find information on all introduced legislation, the contact information for legislators, and much more helpful information about the Legislature.

 

 

 

 

 

Bill:               HB17

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            VETERAN REDEFINED TO QUALIFY FOR RESIDENT TUITION

Summary:    For purposes of qualifying for as resident tuition as a veteran, the definition of the term “veteran” has been revised to mean a New Mexico resident who is a citizen of the United States, was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the:

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Higher Education; Family and Juveniles

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Education Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Education.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass as amended by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Scheduled:  02/03/2016—House Education Committee, 8:00 a.m., Room 317 (Revised 01/29/2016)

Bill:               HB73

Sponsors:    Hamilton (R38)

Title:            WNMU VETERAN PTSD VIRTUAL REALITY TREATMENT PROJECT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB69) Relating to veterans; continuing a pilot project to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using virtual reality treatment devices; provides for therapist training; provides for virtual reality therapy curriculum development for the Master’s of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University; and makes an appropriation.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs; Health and Medical Practice

Related:       2015:HB69

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Appropriations and Finance Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/22/2016—H Referred to House Health.

                     01/22/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Health.

Bill:               HB93

Sponsors:    Wooley (R66)

Title:            PROCUREMENT PREFERENCES: VETERAN BUSINESS, VETERAN CONTRACTOR & RECYCLED GOODS

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB557) Relating to procurement; amends the Resident Veteran Business Preference Act to impose limits on resident veteran businesses that may qualify for the 10 percent preference on public bids. Applies the preference to a resident veteran business, including all of its subsidiaries with annual gross revenues up to $3 million in the preceding tax year. Affects formal bids on purchases and public works contracts. Abolishes provision that would have authorized a 5 percent preference for recycled content goods beginning July 1, 2022. Abolishes provision that would have ended the 10 percent veteran contractor preference in 2022.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs; State Affairs and State Agencies; County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government

Related:       2015:HB557

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB113

Sponsors:    Maestas Barnes (R15)

Title:            MOBILITY LIMITATION INDICATORS ON OTHER SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

Summary:    (Conflicts with HB25; essentially identical to 2015 HB464) Directs MVD to establish a design element for vehicle license plates that denotes significant mobility limitation that may be used on another special registration plate (i.e., veterans, radio operator, military, historical, etc.). The design element shall be available, by request, to a person with a significant mobility limitation who also qualifies for the other requested special registration.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Transportation; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2015:HB464

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB165

Sponsors:    Ruiloba (D12)

Title:            ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTOR LICENSES TO TEACH JUNIOR ROTC

Summary:    (For the Legislative Education Study Committee) Amends the School Personnel Act to provide for alternative instructor licenses for the instruction of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Subjects:     Schools and Teachers; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB185

Sponsors:    Adkins (R29)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – House Ways and Means Committee

History:        01/20/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referral withdrawn from House Rules & Order of Business.

                     01/21/2016—H Referred to House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—H Also referred to House Ways & Means.

                     01/28/2016—H Reported Do Pass by House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs.

Bill:               HB225

Sponsors:    Maestas (D16)

Title:            HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ACT

Summary:    (Similar to 2015 HB517) Proposes the Historically Underutilized and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Act, with a stated purpose to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses by encouraging and setting goals for the use of historically underutilized and disadvantaged business by state agencies in all public purchasing decisions.

Subjects:     Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Indians

Related:       2015:HB517

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/25/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB253

Sponsors:    Alcon (D6)

Title:            COMPENSATION FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN 1980 PENITENTIARY RIOT

Summary:    (Almost identical to 2015 HB435) Provides for compensation to Penitentiary of New Mexico correctional officers who are or were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their involvement during the February 1980 penitentiary riot. Makes a $1.5 million (GF reverting) appropriation to the Corrections Department in FYs 2017 and 2018; limits administrative expenses to a maximum of $100,000.

Subjects:     Public Employees/Retirement; State Affairs and State Agencies; Public Safety and Corrections; Appropriations; Public Finance and Budgets

Related:       2015:HB435

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – House Rules and Order of Business Committee

History:        01/27/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Rules & Order of Business.

Bill:               HB287

Sponsors:    Lechuga‑Tena (D21)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS AND HOMELESS

Summary:    Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Human Services Department for FY 2017 to fund, through the Behavioral Health Services Division, substance abuse treatment and mental health services for homeless individuals and veterans statewide.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – House Health Committee

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and referred to House Health.

                     01/29/2016—H Also referred to House Appropriations & Finance.

Bill:               HM3

Sponsors:    Garcia Richard (D43)

Title:            USS LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Miscellaneous

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/19/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               HM8

Sponsors:    Armstrong (D17)

Title:            BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY

Summary:    Proclaims Saturday, January 30, 2016, as “Behavioral Health Day” in the House of Representatives.

Subjects:     Health and Medical Practice; Human Services; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/19/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/19/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               HM42

Sponsors:    Zimmerman (R39)

Title:            EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND RESERVE PROGRAM

Summary:    Recognizes the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program for the valuable service it provides to soldiers and their families.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Family and Juveniles; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/29/2016 – Speaker's Table

History:        01/29/2016—H Introduced and placed on Speaker's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—House Calendar, 10:30 a.m., House Chambers

Bill:               SB16

Sponsors:    Burt (R33); Adkins (R29)

Title:            UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Summary:    Amends the Income Tax Act to provide an incremental income tax deduction from net income for a uniformed services retiree or the retiree’s surviving spouse beginning in 2017 at the following levels:

Subjects:     Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Taxation, Fees and Audits; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Labor

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/20/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB29

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            DEGREE PROGRAM CREDIT FOR MILITARY COURSEWORK

Summary:    (For the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee) Requires public or private post‑secondary education institutions operating under New Mexico law (Chapter 21) to determine credit hours for military coursework or military service that is relevant and transferable for a degree program requirement.

Subjects:     Higher Education; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/19/2016 – Senate Committee on Committees

History:        01/19/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/19/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB99

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOUSING FOR VETS

Summary:    (For the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Finance Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB101

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            REHAB HOMES OF LOW‑INCOME VETS

Summary:    (Endorsed by the Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee) (Identical to SB99) Appropriates $2 million (GF 2017) to the Department of Finance and Administration for FY 2017 for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to provide necessary rehabilitation for homes occupied by honorably discharged veterans in New Mexico whose taxable incomes do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Land, Housing and Real Estate; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB105

Sponsors:    Beffort (R19)

Title:            EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Summary:    Relates to expediting the process for issuance of occupational and professional licenses to persons who already hold a license that is current and in good standing issued by another jurisdiction in the United States.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Judiciary.

Bill:               SB116

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            GALLUP VETERANS’ SERVICES

Summary:    Appropriates $70,000 (GF 2017) to the Veterans’ Services Department for FY 2017 for the salary and benefits for one full‑time‑equivalent position to provide services to veterans in Gallup.

Subjects:     State Affairs and State Agencies; Appropriations; Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/25/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/25/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB153

Sponsors:    Brandt (R40)

Title:            HIGHER ED ARTICULATION FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Summary:    Requires the Higher Education Department, in coordination with the institutions of higher education in New Mexico, to study, create and implement a consistent policy and develop a single statewide articulation agreement pertaining to the evaluation and award of academic credit based on military training and experience toward Associate’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Subjects:     Higher Education; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Interim Studies and Interim Committees

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/29/2016 – Senate Education Committee

History:        01/21/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/21/2016—S Also referred to Senate Education.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/29/2016—S Reported Do Pass by Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SB186

Sponsors:    Campos, P. (D8)

Title:            CRITICAL NEEDS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL AT ANGEL FIRE

Summary:    Appropriates $311,500 (GF 2017) to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the critical needs of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire.

Subjects:     Appropriations; Natural Resources (Parks and Wildlife); Veterans and Military Affairs

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/26/2016 – Senate Conservation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Conservation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/26/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Scheduled:  02/02/2016—Senate Conservation Committee, 8:30 a.m., Room 311

Bill:               SB201

Sponsors:    Sanchez, M. (D29)

Title:            JOB TRAINING FOR VETS AND OLDER WORKERS

Summary:    Requires that, in any fiscal year, of the development training funds appropriated to the Economic Development Department, at least one‑fourth be expended for training veterans and one‑fourth be expended for training persons 50 years of age or older.

Subjects:     Labor; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; State Affairs and State Agencies; Veterans and Military Affairs; Aging; Public Finance and Budgets

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/27/2016 – Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee

History:        01/25/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Corporations & Transportation.

                     01/25/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/27/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SB229

Sponsors:    Munoz (D4)

Title:            TAX REFUND DESIGNATION TO VETERANS’ STATE CEMETERY FUND

Summary:    (Duplicate of HB185) The longstanding option for income taxpayers to donate part of their tax refunds to the national veterans’ cemetery in Santa Fe is revised. Now such donations will be deposited instead into the newly created veterans’ state cemetery fund. Proceeds in this fund are appropriated to the Veterans’ Services Department for unspecified purposes.

Subjects:     Veterans and Military Affairs; Taxation, Fees and Audits; Appropriations; State Affairs and State Agencies

Related:       2016:HB185

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/28/2016 – Senate Public Affairs Committee

History:        01/27/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

                     01/27/2016—S Also referred to Senate Finance.

                     01/28/2016—S Reported germane by Senate Committee on Committees.

Bill:               SM15

Sponsors:    Martinez, Richard (D5)

Title:            NAMING A U.S. NAVAL SUBMARINE THE U.S.S. LOS ALAMOS

Summary:    (Identical to HM3) Endorses the naming of a U.S. naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Subjects:     County Affairs; Municipalities/City Government; Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development; Veterans and Military Affairs

Related:       2016:HM3

Progress:     1st House: Referred to Committee

Status:         01/20/2016 – Senate Rules Committee

History:        01/20/2016—S Introduced and referred to Senate Rules.

                     01/20/2016—S Also referred to Senate Public Affairs.

Bill:               SM53

Sponsors:    Cisneros (D6)

Title:            TONY REYNA DAY

Summary:    Proclaims February 1, 2016 as “Tony Reyna Day in the Senate. Honors this Bataan Death March survivor who is a recognized leader of the Pueblo of Taos, and a community leader of the highest and most exemplary accomplishments, and who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 1.

Subjects:     Legislature; Indians

Progress:     Introduced

Status:         01/29/2016 – President's Table

History:        01/29/2016—S Introduced and placed on President's Table.

Scheduled:  02/01/2016—Senate Calendar, 10:30 a.m., Senate Chamber

 

Respectfully,

 

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

(505) 362-6089 mobile

www.dvs.state.nm.us