New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico HB178: SUN SHADES FOR RURAL PARKS & RECREATION
Status: In committee, February 6, 2026
What the bill says
An act making an appropriation to the local government division of the department of finance and administration to allocate funding to local governments for the construction of shade structures in rural public parks and other outdoor public-use recreation areas to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and prevent skin cancer.
From the committee substitute text, February 6, 2026:
AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO ALLOCATE FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHADE STRUCTURES IN RURAL PUBLIC PARKS AND OTHER OUTDOOR PUBLIC-USE RECREATION AREAS TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AND PREVENT SKIN CANCER. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--Three million dollars ($3,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the local government division of the department of finance and administration for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years to allocate funding to local governments for the construction and installation of protective shade structures in rural public parks and other outdoor .233793.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ HHHC/HB public-use recreation areas to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation, a primary environmental risk factor for skin cancer. The division shall prioritize project sites that demonstrate inadequate existing shade and significant ultraviolet radiation exposure risk in outdoor activity areas; that provide a feasible project plan, including design, cost estimates and time lines; and that propose cost-effective solutions that maximize ultraviolet radiation protection benefits. Any unexpended balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund. - 2 - .233793.1
Sponsors
- Jimmy G. Mason (R, HD-066) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : HHHC: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution
- : Sent to HHHC - Referrals: HHHC/HAFC
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Subjects: CULTURAL AFFAIRS (arts, museums, libraries), LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Common questions
- What is HB178?
- HB178 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): SUN SHADES FOR RURAL PARKS & RECREATION.
- What does HB178 do?
- In its own words: An act making an appropriation to the local government division of the department of finance and administration to allocate funding to local governments for the construction of shade structures in rural public parks and other outdoor public-use recreation areas to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and prevent skin cancer.
- What is the status of HB178?
- In committee as of February 6, 2026. Latest action: HHHC: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution (February 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB178?
- Jimmy G. Mason (R, HD-066).
- Where is the official record for HB178?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=178&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.