The 2026 Legislative Session Tacking Sheet
January 20, 2026 - Rin Tara
Today, January 20, marks the start of the Second Session of the 57th New Mexico Legislature. This “short session” (30 days) is a sprint to the February 19th finish line and will focus on the state budget, budget-related issues, agency spending, and other items placed on the legislative agenda by the governor.
While “long sessions” (60 days) in odd-numbered years generally see more major policy debates, short session budget years are just as important. Public policy is realized through budget decisions, and budget allocation has real impacts for all of New Mexico.
Here at the Utton Center, we’ll be tracking the water-related bills in a document that you can check here.
Important dates:
January 20: Session begins, Higher Education Day at the Roundhouse.
January 30: Earth Science Day at the Roundhouse.
February 4: Deadline for introduction (as a general rule, no new bills may be introduced after this date).
February 6: Public Lands Day at the Roundhouse.
February 19: Session ends.
March 11: Any legislation not acted upon by the governor is pocket vetoed (vetoed due to inaction rather than an affirmative veto).
May 20: Effective date of most legislation passed during the session.
