Arlo Luis Menchaca, EQNM Legislative Fellow
Howdy Folks!
This is Arlo with your weekly update, EQNM staff continues to fill the roundhouse, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and reminding legislators that NM is no place for discriminatory policy. We have celebrated many wins this week in adoption rights, data privacy, and voting rights as those bills have flown through committees. At the same time, we’re watching troubling data privacy bills that are being influenced by Big Tech and seek to weaken protections rather than strengthen them. As we approach the end of the Legislative Session, it is critical that we reach out to our legislators to tell them our priorities!!
With the end of the Legislative Session approaching, it is critical that we reach out to our legislators and tell them our priorities!
SB417, the Confirmatory Adoptions Bill, passed through the Senate floor as well as the House Health Committee, streamlining the process for parents to legally adopt their existing children and ensuring recognition across all jurisdictions.
HB518, establishing New Mexico LGBTQ+ Day, also passed through committee, designating a day to honor the state’s LGBTQ+ leaders and achievements.
Data privacy protections took a step forward with HB307/SB420, which limits access, retention, and sales of personal information to protect vulnerable communities. HB430, the Health Data Privacy Act, passed committee and strengthens safeguards for sensitive health data, while SB36, the MVD Data Bill, enhances protections for personal information held by state agencies.
Voting rights also moved forward with HB526 passing through committee, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections. Meanwhile, HB60, the Artificial Intelligence Act, advanced to the House floor to enforce transparency in the use of AI and reduce discriminatory practices. HB9 and SB250 also passed through their respective committees, with HB 9 also passing through the House Floor. Both bills push immigration protections forward by preventing state resources from being used to enforce federal immigration laws or detain individuals in civil immigration custody.
We also saw an attempt at restricting trans youth rights with HB543 seeking to require parental consent for gender-affirming and reproductive care for minors. The bill was tabled in committee, reinforcing NM as a safe space for trans youth.
However, HB410, a so-called “data privacy” bill, raises concerns after passing committee this week. Despite claims of consumer protection, it has been heavily influenced by Big Tech lobbyists and mirrors ineffective legislation in other states.
We will continue tracking these bills and advocating for strong protections.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged—your support makes a difference!
We’re up against billion-dollar tech companies that prioritize profits over the safety of LGBTQ+ people and immigrants. Donate today to support our advocacy efforts.
Record yourself saying one of these quick messages and email it to info@eqnm.org:
“Protect LGBTQ people, protect our data!”
“Protect immigrants, protect our data!”
“Protect our communities, protect our data!”
“Pass Senate Bill 420 or House Bill 307 today!”
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March 22:
End of Legislative Session
Share this blog to five family members and friends—now is the time for every voice to join the movement to protect Queer and Trans New Mexicans! We only have about 14 days left!
