New Mexico SB256: UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH AIRCRAFT

What the bill says

An act relating to aircraft; creating a fourth degree felony for the unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft; establishing a fine for the fourth degree unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft; including directing a laser at an aircraft as unlawful interference; repealing section 64-1-23 nmsa 1978 (being laws 1965, chapter 34, section 3).

From the introduced text, February 4, 2026:

AN ACT RELATING TO AIRCRAFT; CREATING A FOURTH DEGREE FELONY FOR THE UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLIGHT AND OPERATION OF AN AIRCRAFT; ESTABLISHING A FINE FOR THE FOURTH DEGREE UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLIGHT AND OPERATION OF AN AIRCRAFT; INCLUDING DIRECTING A LASER AT AN AIRCRAFT AS UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE; REPEALING SECTION 64-1-23 NMSA 1978 (BEING LAWS 1965, CHAPTER 34, SECTION 3). BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. Section 64-1-22 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1965, Chapter 34, Section 2) is amended to read: "64-1-22. UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLIGHT AND OPERATION OF AN AIRCRAFT--PENALTIES.--[Any] A. Unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft consists of a person discharging a .232763.3 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ firearm or setting in flight any missile, projectile, laser or object intended to strike, interfere with or collide with any flying aircraft [shall be guilty of] or aviation support system. Whoever commits unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft is guilty of a fourth degree felony and shall be sentenced pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978. B. As used in this section, "laser" means a device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jay C. Block (R, SD-012) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. February 4, 2026: Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SJC/SFC
2. : Action Postponed Indefinitely

Common questions

What is SB256?

SB256 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH AIRCRAFT.

What does SB256 do?

In its own words: An act relating to aircraft; creating a fourth degree felony for the unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft; establishing a fine for the fourth degree unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft; including directing a laser at an aircraft as unlawful interference; repealing section 64-1-23 nmsa 1978 (being laws 1965, chapter 34, section 3).

What is the status of SB256?

In committee as of February 4, 2026. Latest action: Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SJC/SFC (February 4, 2026).

Who sponsored SB256?

Jay C. Block (R, SD-012).

Where is the official record for SB256?

On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=B&legNo=256&year=26