Legislative News
Upholding Property Rights for All New Mexicans
February 24, 2023
Hello GAAR Family,
With just three weeks remaining in the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session, there has been notable movement on HB 6 - Housing & Rent Changes. The NMAR Legislative Committee has reviewed the bill and OPPOSES HB 6, as it fails to address the most pressing root cause of our current housing crisis—supply and demand—and has the potential to worsen housing opportunities for New Mexico families by diminishing private property owner rights.
Instead of creating sustainable solutions to increase housing supply and access to stable housing for all, the legislation would have the opposite effect on 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 unduly place the burden on property owners by prohibiting them from terminating or denying renewal of rental agreements.
If enacted, HB 6 has the potential to further exacerbate housing issues across the state by discouraging new development, discouraging property owners from renting to those in need of housing, and creating an unsustainable model for owners and renters.
While we stand solidly opposed to this legislation, it is moving forward through the House. On Tuesday, February 21, the bill was heard by the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, where legislators voted DO PASS. It will next be heard in the House Judiciary Committee. We urge you to contact committee members and voice your opposition to this legislation, and we will continue to monitor the bill’s progress to provide you with timely updates on its progress.
We also want to draw your attention to another piece of legislation OPPOSED by NMAR and GAAR: SB 298 – Mobile Home Park Act Changes. The proposed legislation would amend the Mobile Home Park Act to enact rent control, extend the eviction process for nonpayment of rent, and tie the hands of property owners by limiting their ability to terminate rental agreements.
Thanks to those who provided opposition at the Monday, February 20th Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee meeting, legislators recommended the bill sponsors work with the opposition to address concerns. NMAR is in communication with bill sponsors to work toward modifying the bill’s language and impact.
In addition to these bills which the NMAR Legislative Committee has taken a firm position on, 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 State Gem
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 gem—turquoise. Adopted as the state gem by the legislature in 1967, turquoise is a prominent symbol of our state’s history, culture, and heritage, dating back to indigenous communities who mined and fashioned turquoise ornaments hundreds of years before the Spanish arrived in New Mexico.
Today, the gem provides a lucrative industry for New Mexico, as well as gorgeous and unique jewelry, art, and décor.
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