Committee reconsiders and forwards House Bill 2 95 after 7-5 votes

The House Taxation & Revenue Committee voted 7-5 to reconsider House Bill 2 95 and then, after debate, gave the bill a due-pass recommendation by a 7-5 vote.

The reconsideration motion was moved by Speaker Martinez and later the motion for a due-pass on House Bill 2 95 was made and seconded in committee; the committee recorded a final affirmative tally of 7 to 5 and the bill "does pass this committee," the chair announced.

Why it matters: Committee members who opposed the bill said it could meaningfully increase property-tax liability for counties. "I've had a lot of counties reach out to us, including New Mexico counties, on the impact. I think the impact I've seen all the way up to $300,000,000 worth of property taxes," Representative Henry said while explaining his no vote. Another member expressed concern about stacking this bill with recently passed veterans exemptions and the cumulative effect on county tax bases.

Discussion and context: Committee debate and public record show concern from several members about fiscal impacts on local governments. Supporters pressed forward with the reconsideration and final due-pass motion; the committee recorded two members who requested to explain their votes after the final roll call. No amendment to the bill text was recorded on the committee floor during the session excerpt.

Next steps: With the committee's due-pass recommendation, House Bill 2 95 moves from committee to the next stage of House consideration per chamber rules. The committee did not specify further conditions or modifications during the recorded discussion.

Votes at a glance: Reconsideration — passed 7-5. Due-pass recommendation — passed 7-5. Two members requested to explain their votes; Representative Henry explained his opposition citing the potential property-tax impact.