New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico HM26: STATE AGENCY INSECT WORKSHOP
Status: Passed both chambers, February 19, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, March 9, 2026:
A MEMORIAL REQUESTING CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES TO PARTICIPATE IN A WORKSHOP ABOUT INSECT IDENTIFICATION, ECOLOGY, MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT INSECTS. WHEREAS, New Mexico is a beautiful state that is rich in natural resources and filled with a wide variety of plants and animals, including insects, which make up over one-half of the more than one million five hundred thousand identified animal species on the planet; and WHEREAS, insects, such as butterflies, bees, ants and beetles, are six-legged invertebrates with three body segments, antennae, compound eyes and an exoskeleton; and WHEREAS, insects provide vital functions in ecosystems, including being the primary pollinators of one-third of food for global crop production, decomposing waste, eliminating pests, protecting soil health, especially in arid regions where decomposition is slow, and serving as food for many species; as one student said, "Bugs help the earth by helping the flowers and our food grow"; and WHEREAS, many people misunderstand insects and see insects as pests, even though most are harmless and play an important ecological role; as one student said, "[Sometimes] people are fearful and disgusted with insects because they are uneducated about their importance", and as another HM Page student said, "Insects are misunderstood because they look gross and scary"; and WHEREAS, insects are important to New Mexico's communities, including indigenous …
Sponsors
- Kristina Ortez (D, HD-042) · primary sponsor
- Harlan Vincent (R, HD-056)
Latest actions
- : Passed in the House of Representatives - Y:54 N:2
- : HAAWC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
- : Sent to HAAWC - Referrals: HAAWC
- : Signed by one or both houses (for legislation not requiring Governor's signature)
Subjects: MEMORIALS, OTHER, ANIMALS (fish, livestock, pets, wildlife)
Common questions
- What is HM26?
- HM26 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): STATE AGENCY INSECT WORKSHOP.
- What is the status of HM26?
- Passed both chambers as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: Passed in the House of Representatives - Y:54 N:2 (February 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored HM26?
- Kristina Ortez (D, HD-042), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HM26?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=M&legNo=26&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.