All Roll Calls
Yes: 70 • No: 38
New MexicoSB 52025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
GAME COMMISSION REFORM
Sponsored By: Pete Campos (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
12 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 5 mixed.
Half-price wildlife licenses for resident veterans
New Mexico veterans and active-duty military members get 50% off wildlife licenses, permits, and stamps with valid proof of service. The discount excludes the resident disabled-veteran fishing and game hunting combination license, which has a separate $10 price.
Lower wildlife license costs for SNAP households
Beginning April 1, 2026, New Mexico residents receiving SNAP get 25% off all wildlife license fees. Residents must first qualify with the Department of Wildlife.
Refunds and transfers for unused hunting licenses
Beginning April 1, 2026, the wildlife director can approve hunting license refunds or transfers; neither is automatic. Hunters must apply in writing before the hunt when verified injury or life-threatening illness prevents hunting, or military deployment prevents travel. After a hunter dies before the hunt, the estate representative can apply in writing for a refund or transfer to an estate designee. The director can also refund fees when canceling a hunt because of forest fire or another natural disaster. A hunter can separately apply in writing to transfer a license to a commission-approved nonprofit.
Residents avoid shed antler license costs
New Mexico residents can hunt for shed antlers without a shed hunter license. Nonresidents do not receive this exemption; their listed shed hunter license fee is $200.
Limits on extra wildlife license charges
Beginning April 1, 2026, license sellers can keep a vendor fee for each license or permit they issue. The fee must be fair under commission rules and cannot exceed the seller's costs for that license or permit. The Department of Wildlife cannot charge this fee on special licenses for antelope, elk, Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, bison, oryx, ibex, or javelina.
Wildlife license fees can rise with inflation
Listed base fees include resident fishing at $35 and game hunting at $25; nonresidents pay $90 for either license. Nonresident deer costs $375, and nonresident bighorn sheep costs $3,500. Beginning April 1, 2027, the commission can adjust listed fees each April 1 by no more than inflation, rounded to the nearest dollar. It uses the urban consumer price index for the 12 months ending September 30; fees cannot fall below prior-year minimums. Adjustments are required April 1, 2032, and every five years afterward; next-year fees must be posted each November 1, beginning in 2026.
Limits on required nuisance wildlife help
The Department of Wildlife is not required to respond to nuisance wildlife incidents outside two exceptions. It must respond for species protected by statute before July 1, 2026, or when a commission rule requires a response. Residents reporting other species cannot rely on a required department response.
Clearer rules for paid hunting businesses
The law defines which paid hunting-service providers count as outfitters or guides. It covers people advertising for hire, employed, or accepting payment to provide hunting facilities, equipment, or services within the hunt unit. People who only cook, cut wood, or do similar work not directly tied to hunting are excluded.
Broader wildlife protections and activity rules
The State Wildlife Commission can set when, where, how, and how much people hunt, capture, possess, release, or trade wildlife. Its authority also covers shipping wildlife and bringing it into or out of the state. The commission can extend management and protection to any wildlife species by rule, including species not already protected by statute. For those protections, it must consider conservation-need status, scientific reasons, and possible management rules and programs. Its broader rules may consider population trends, migration, habitat, climate, conservation needs, sustainable food supplies, and ecosystem conditions.
New public process for wildlife nominees
A new nine-member nominating committee reviews applicants and sends the governor at least three qualified names per commission seat. Its New Mexico resident members include four legislative appointees, two university representatives, two governor appointees from different parties, and one governor-appointed tribal representative. Public comment must precede nominee votes; a majority vote at a meeting with a quorum is required. Regular lists are due at least 30 days before terms begin; for vacancies, the committee meets within 30 days and submits names within 60 days after that meeting. Members receive expense reimbursement but no pay, and cannot be nominated to the commission while serving on the committee.
New representation rules for wildlife commissioners
The renamed State Wildlife Commission has seven voting members who are New Mexico residents knowledgeable about wildlife, hunting, and fishing. The governor appoints members from committee nominees, with Senate approval. Four seats require backgrounds in ranching or farming, conservation, hunting and angling, and wildlife science; three seats are at-large. At least one at-large member must belong to a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo in New Mexico. County and party limits apply; changing party affiliation within four years bars appointment, subject to a primary-election exception.
Term limits and removal rules for commissioners
Commissioners serve six-year terms, with no more than two terms after January 1, 2027; partial terms count unless shorter than one year. A seat becomes vacant upon death, resignation, loss of appointment qualifications, or three consecutive missed meetings. The governor fills the remaining term from the nominating committee's list. Outside those vacancy events, removal remains limited to incompetence, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office. The law removes the former notice-and-hearing language and State Ethics Commission court-action provisions.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Pete Campos
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Crystal Brantley
Republican • Senate
Matthew McQueen
Democratic • House
Nathan P. Small
Democratic • House
Peter Wirth
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/12/2025
Final House Vote
Yes: 42 • No: 26
Senate vote • 3/1/2025
Final Senate Vote
Yes: 28 • No: 12
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor - Chapter 6 - Mar. 20
3/20/2025SenateSenate has concurred with House Amendments
3/13/2025SenatePassed in the House of Representatives - Y:42 N:26
3/12/2025HouseHENRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
3/7/2025HouseSent to HENRC - Referrals: HENRC
3/3/2025SenatePassed in the Senate - Y:28 N:12
3/1/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment
3/1/2025SenateSFC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
2/28/2025SenateSCONC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
2/10/2025SenateSRC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
1/28/2025SenateSent to SRC - Referrals: SRC/SCONC/SFC
1/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Final Version
3/20/2025
HENRC Committee Report 3/07/25
3/7/2025
Senate Floor Amendment 5 3/01/25
3/1/2025
SFC Committee Report 2/28/25
2/28/2025
SCONC Committee Report 2/10/25
2/10/2025
SRC Committee Report 1/28/25
1/28/2025
Introduced
1/21/2025