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County council adopts 2026 state legislative agenda and adds monitoring of anti-donation clause
Summary
The council approved the 2026 Los Alamos County state legislative agenda, broadening several priorities and adding language to monitor proposed amendments to New Mexico’s anti-donation clause following council discussion and public comment.
Los Alamos County Council approved its 2026 state legislative agenda on Dec. 2 after staff outlined updates and councilors debated whether to reinstate monitoring of potential amendments to the state constitution’s anti-donation clause.
Miss Duran summarized changes to the draft agenda: language broadening support for improved access to health care and healthy food, clarified support for wildfire risk reduction and firefighting capabilities, and a consolidated infrastructure section listing roads, broadband, water and housing priorities. Staff also noted inclusion of capital outlay requests and alignment with New Mexico Counties and the Municipal League priorities.
Council discussion centered on anti-donation clause reform — a constitutional provision that generally restricts local governments from giving public funds to private entities. Some councilors argued the county should monitor efforts to amend the clause to permit targeted public-private investments that support local businesses or infrastructure; others asked for caution and precise guardrails to prevent corruption. A member of the public urged action on the issue. Council voted unanimously to approve the agenda with an amendment to add monitoring of legislation proposing changes to the anti-donation clause.
The approved agenda will serve as the county’s legislative priorities going into the 2026 session. Staff said they and the county’s lobbyist will continue coordinating with regional partners and return to council as legislation develops.
