New Mexico House considers HB 88 to overhaul land grant-merced fund distribution

State Rep. Matthew McQueen has proposed new legislation in the New Mexico House that would change the way land grant-merced assistance funds are managed and allocated, according to the New Mexico General Assembly.

Labeled HB 88 during the 57th general assembly and formally titled ’Land Grant-Merced Assistance Fund Changes,’ the bill was introduced Thursday, Jan. 15.

Below is a summary based on the bill’s text, with explanations intended to clarify its provisions.

The bill seeks to update distribution guidelines for New Mexico’s land grant-merced assistance fund and establishes the fund as nonreverting, ensuring unused balances do not revert to the general fund. The annual revenue threshold for entities to receive a full distribution would increase from less than $50,000 to less than $100,000. Other distribution levels would also shift: entities with at least $100,000 but less than $250,000 in revenue would get 75% of a full distribution, those with at least $250,000 but less than $500,000 would receive 50%, and those with $500,000 or more would receive 25%. The measure maintains all current audit and compliance requirements, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.

McQueen, who serves as chair of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee, introduced 10 additional bills during the current assembly. He also sits on the House Judiciary Committee, is vice chair of the Water & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Land Grant Committee.

In New Mexico, the legislative process involves multiple steps: bills can originate in either chamber, are assigned to committees for review, debated and voted in both chambers, and—if passed—go to the governor for final approval or veto. The annual session begins the third Tuesday in January, with 60-day sessions held in odd-numbered years and 30-day sessions in even-numbered years. While many bills are introduced each session, only a small portion are enacted into law. More information on legislation and procedures is available here.