All Roll Calls
Yes: 100 • No: 1
New MexicoSB 332025 Regular SessionSenate
WILDFIRE PREPARED ACT
Sponsored By: Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New wildfire protection help for homeowners
New Mexico's Forestry Division runs a program offering wildfire training, technical help, property assessments, certification, and grants. Homeowner assistance requires New Mexico residency, ownership of a residence in the state, and meeting task-force eligibility requirements. At least 50% of awarded grant money must go to qualified groups helping eligible homeowners make wildfire-preparedness changes. Local governments can also receive grants for property upgrades, fuel-clearing buffers in high-risk areas, and community assessment and certification programs. A new state fund supports program staffing and services, keeps unused money across years, and accepts public and donated funding. The law sets no total funding or household grant amount and guarantees no individual benefit.
New wildfire safety planning for communities
An expanded fire planning task force maps areas where wildfire threatens buildings and sets wildfire-preparedness certification standards. Those standards must be at least as strict as nationally recognized standards. Its defensible-space guidance must include a five-foot noncombustible zone next to buildings, consider wildlife impacts, and seek local input. It recommends building-code and property-safety rules, recognizing differences between existing buildings and new construction, and helps communities adopt them. Grant guidelines and eligibility requirements are due each June 30; progress reports and recommendations are due each December 15. The law took effect immediately upon enactment.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Anita Gonzales
Democratic • House
Harlan Vincent
Republican • House
Kristina Ortez
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/21/2025
Final House Vote
Yes: 63 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/22/2025
Final Senate Vote
Yes: 37 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor - Chapter 55 - Apr. 7
4/7/2025SenatePassed in the House of Representatives - Y:63 N:1
3/21/2025HouseHAFC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
3/20/2025HouseHENRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
3/4/2025HouseSent to HENRC - Referrals: HENRC/HAFC
2/24/2025SenatePassed in the Senate - Y:37 N:0
2/22/2025SenateSFC: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution
2/19/2025SenateSCONC: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution
2/5/2025SenateSent to SCONC - Referrals: SCONC/SFC
1/27/2025Senate
Bill Text
Final Version
4/8/2025
HAFC Committee Report 3/20/25
3/20/2025
HENRC Committee Report 3/04/25
3/4/2025
SFC Committee Report 2/19/25
2/19/2025
SFC Committee Substitute 2/19/25
2/19/2025
SCONC Committee Report 2/05/25
2/5/2025
SCONC Committee Substitute 2/05/25
2/5/2025
Introduced
1/27/2025