March 2, 2023

Hello GAAR Family,
 
We are coming down to the wire in the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session. With a little over two weeks remaining, we want to focus on two key pieces of legislation:

HB 6 – Housing and Rent Changes – OPPOSE

• Proposed legislation would change the Housing Codes in New Mexico, including the requirement of a written statement for deductions, increased time to remedy nonpayment of rent, increased civil penalties, and increased timeframe for nonpayment notices. Additionally, the bill would limit property owners’ ability to terminate or deny renewal of rental agreements.
  
  GAAR and the NMAR Legislative Committee, along with various industry associations, oppose the bill. To adequately address the current housing crisis, we must look at the big picture. New Mexico families need additional affordable rental properties and increased opportunities to become homebuyers. Building supplies are in high demand, and supply chain issues have created additional setbacks for property owners and builders. Coupled with inflation and an immediate need for adequate housing, the problem requires complex solutions, instead of an unsustainable model that places the burden solely on local property owners.
  
  However, HB 6 doesn’t just fail to address the supply and demand issue. Instead, it harms those it was intended to protect—renters.
  
  For those struggling to make ends meet and find affordable homes to rent, HB 6 will increase the difficulty of accessing housing. The bill will ultimately reduce the rental supply, as many property owners will choose to sell their properties instead of renting under the proposed legislation. With fewer rentals to choose from, hardworking families across the state will face the heartbreaking possibility of becoming unhoused.
  
  In addition to reducing the rental housing supply, HB 6 will have wide-reaching ripple effects and discourage new development that could spur economic growth. That means, HB 6 will not only decrease access to housing, but it will also prohibit the creation of much-needed new jobs and new business investments across our state.  

In short, HB 6 will be detrimental for many of the most vulnerable populations across New Mexico and will not solve our housing problems. 
 
We continue to watch this bill closely. It will next be heard in the House Judiciary Committee. 

SB 286 – Discriminatory Restrictive Covenants – SUPPORT

• Proposed legislation would void unlawful discriminatory and restrictive covenants, as well as prohibit gender-specific language from instruments affecting the transfer of real property. SB 286 aims to decrease discrimination and make property transfers more inclusive and accessible while protecting the rights of all New Mexicans to rent, buy or sell real property. 
  
  As GAAR and the NMAR Legislative Committee work together to uphold property rights and access to housing for all, we stand in support of SB 286, which is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In addition to the above-mentioned bills, you can keep an eye on all pieces of legislation we’re monitoring here.

If you have any questions, please send them to me at Kent@GAAR.com.

Best,
 
Kent Cravens, RCE, CMLX2
Chief Executive Officer / Government Affairs Director
Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®

New Mexico's Official Neckwear

 
Join us in celebrating the incredible place we all live, work, and play—the Land of Enchantment. As we keep you informed throughout the session, we invite you to brush up on our state’s history and culture with the help of the Secretary of State’s New Mexico Blue Book.  
 
This week, we’re celebrating our state tie—the “Bolo Tie.” With traces to the conch jewelry worn by Navajo men in the 1930s, as well as Western fashion and the neckerchiefs worn by both Boy Scouts and Argentine cowboys, the bolo tie is a piece of fashion you’ll see often around the halls of the Roundhouse during session and around the state at celebrations and events.
 
In 1987, the Bolo Tie was named the state’s official neckwear in a non-binding measure, and in 2007, it was officially adopted as the State Tie. While the bolo tie was permissible on the Senate floor, in 2009, the legislature approved the bolo tie as acceptable attire on the House floor during session as well. Whether you want to dress up an outfit or show your state pride, consider donning a Bolo Tie at your next showing or event.