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Senate panel adds Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant to state statute after brief hearing
Summary
The Senate Conservation Committee voted to pass Bill 47, adding the Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant to recognized political‑subdivision status; sponsors and heirs described local governance and acreage.
The Senate Conservation Committee voted to recommend passage of Bill 47 after a short hearing in which the land grant’s officers described local governance and heirs’ stewardship.
Senator Jaramillo, the bill sponsor, said the legislation would add the Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant — an historic Hispano land grant dating from 1695 — to the list of land grants recognized under state law as political subdivisions. Don Bustos, president of the Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant board, told the committee he owns a small farm in northern New Mexico and said the designation would “help protect our land for future generations.” Brian Martinez, the land grant’s secretary, described monthly meetings and an elected five‑member board.
Committee members asked about acreage and governance. Senator Jaramillo said the grant originally covered roughly 46,600 acres and today retains about 4,600 acres under state recognition. The State Land Office had registered support for the recognition. Senators amended the draft to correct the Spanish character in the grant’s name (adding the ñ) and then approved a due‑pass motion; no opposition was recorded in committee.
The bill now moves forward with the committee’s recommendation.
