House Bill 17, which would create a nine-member Commission on Reduction of Grocery Costs, received a do-pass recommendation from the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee and clears the panel with a 4-2 vote.

Sponsor Representative Little told the committee the commission would "identify and study the causes of grocery inflation," make recommendations to reduce costs and file a report by Nov. 15. The bill includes a $400,000 appropriation to the Economic Development Department to support the commission and calls for coordination with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Why it matters: Supporters said grocery cost increases are squeezing New Mexicans on fixed incomes and families with growing children. Representative Little told members she became concerned about grocery prices after seeing a $78 total for three bags of groceries and hearing similar reports from other shoppers.

The Food Depot and statewide faith groups voiced support at the hearing. Sergio Matas Cisneros of The Food Depot testified that New Mexico has fewer full-service grocery stores than the U.S. average and said the commission could help address access and price issues. Judy Messell of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in New Mexico said the bill offers a "fair and systematic approach" and should explore ways to increase locally grown food in markets.

Committee members asked how the commission would handle supply shocks such as avian influenza and whether the commission would examine transportation, cold storage and other infrastructure needs. Representative Little said the commission would include subject-matter experts and would forward recommendations to appropriate agencies such as the Department of Agriculture for operational follow-up.

The bill sets the commission to begin immediately if the legislation passes and to dissolve after it reports; Representative Little said the aim is to get timely recommendations to the Legislature and agencies. The committee recorded a do-pass roll call with four yes votes and two no votes.

Votes at a glance: the committee reported House Bill 17 as do pass (4–2). The roll call recorded yes votes from Representative Romero, Representative Thompson, the vice chair and the chair; no votes from Representative Block and Representative Lord.

The bill now moves to the next stage of the legislative process.