New Mexico Legislature Passes Bill to Pay Lawmakers

House approves $64,000 annual salary for state legislators after debate reaches 3-hour limit

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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On the 25th day of the 2026 New Mexico legislative session, the House of Representatives passed a bill to pay lawmakers an annual salary of $64,000, equal to the state's median household income. The measure would give voters the choice on whether to approve the salary for state legislators, who are currently the only ones in the nation not to receive a salary, though they do get per diems and mileage reimbursements. The bill passed 41-26 after a three-hour debate limit was reached. Supporters argued it could improve the legislature by allowing more diverse representation, while critics said the salary was too high for a 30-day session.

Why it matters

New Mexico's legislature is currently structured as a volunteer body, which supporters say gives too much power to the governor, lobbyists, and state agencies, while limiting the influence of elected representatives who must balance legislative duties with other jobs. Proponents argue that a paid legislature could attract a more diverse group of candidates and strengthen the legislative branch's role, but opponents are concerned about the high proposed salary.

The details

House Joint Resolution 5 would give New Mexico voters the choice to approve an annual $64,000 salary for state legislators, up from the current system where they only receive per diems and mileage reimbursements. Debate on the bill was limited to 3 hours on the House floor, after which the vote was forced. At a $64,000 salary, each representative would have earned about $92 for the 3-hour debate.

  • The New Mexico House of Representatives passed the bill on February 14, 2026, the 25th day of the legislative session.

The players

Rep. Pamelya Herndon

A Democratic state representative from Albuquerque who honored a group of 10 Black women leaders in government and civic organizations as part of African American Day at the Roundhouse.

Karla Causey

The CEO of the Black Chamber Of Commerce, who said the chamber is working to expand beyond the Albuquerque metro area and become a statewide force, helping underserved, underfunded and underengaged communities.

Rep. John Block

A Republican state representative from Alamogordo who said the proposed $64,000 salary for lawmakers "comes off 'as kind of hollow' while residents across the state report high levels of poverty.

Rep. Susan Herrera

A Democratic state representative from Embudo who announced plans to retire and said it's "time for a change" to the volunteer legislature structure, arguing the governor, lobbyists, and state agencies have too much power compared to elected representatives.

Roger Valdez

The director of the Center for Housing Economics, who said a bipartisan bill offering tax credits for revitalizing vacant properties into affordable housing still has a chance to be included in the House's version of a tax package.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these women represents a historic first in her community or in her field, and we honor those firsts. We recognize what they truly mean — progress that opens doors wider than they ever were before.”

— Rep. Pamelya Herndon, Democratic state representative from Albuquerque (sourcenm.com)

“While we focus on the Black community, we help anyone who is underserved, underfunded and underengaged, that's our mission for New Mexico.”

— Karla Causey, CEO of the Black Chamber Of Commerce (sourcenm.com)

“The governor in this state has way too much power. The lobbyists have way too much power. State agencies have way too much power. The people who are elected every two years have very little power because we have to do this on a part-time basis.”

— Rep. Susan Herrera, Democratic state representative from Embudo (sourcenm.com)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to review Senate Bill 40, which would ban New Mexico law enforcement from using automated license plate readers for general surveillance or civil traffic enforcement. The House Taxation and Revenue Committee is also scheduled to discuss bonds for ongoing efforts to transform the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the ongoing debate over the structure of New Mexico's legislature, with supporters arguing that a paid legislature could attract more diverse representation and strengthen the legislative branch, while critics are concerned about the high proposed salary. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state government.