The New Mexico Legislature will convene on January 20, 2026. Given that 2026 is an even-number year, the legislative session is constitutionally limited to 30 days.

NFIB State Director Jason Espinoza held a virtual event to preview what small business owners can expect from this legislative session and NFIB’s top priorities.

The full event may be viewed HERE and above.

“As we look at the policy items from NFIB’s standpoint, which serves as the voice of small business here in New Mexico, we’re really focused on reforms that help employers compete, hire, and grow,” Espinoza said. “Specifically, our members want to see greater transparency within our legal system, as well as the legislative and rulemaking processes.”

Restoring Transparency in New Mexico’s Legal Environment

Small businesses need a legal environment that is fair, predictable, and not designed to reward abuse.

This session, NFIB is focused on reforms that:

• Reduce lawsuit-driven cost inflation
• Increase transparency for consumers
• Prevent “shadow” financing and loopholes; and
• Protect small businesses from rising premiums and hidden costs.

Truth in Legal Advertising

Some legal ads promote ‘’big settlement’ numbers – but consumers rarely hear what those numbers actually mean. NFIB supports a straightforward standard: if you advertise the settlement amount, disclose the attorney fees.

Litigation Financing Transparency

Third-party litigation funding (think private equity and hedge fund managers) allows outside investors to finance lawsuits for profit – often with little disclosure and minimal oversight. NFIB supports transparency rules that require disclosure of third-party litigation financing agreements.

Medical Liability Reform

A fair, predictable legal system supports economic growth and access to care. When liability laws become unpredictable:

• Providers leave the state
• Services shrink – especially in rural communities
• Patients wait longer and have to travel further
• Ultimately, small businesses lose productivity and competitiveness.

Medical liability reform is about restoring balance, controlling costs, and stabilizing access to care.

Addressing the Rising Cost of Healthcare

For most small employers, healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing costs. Healthcare costs are a business survival issue – not a luxury debate.

Transparency in State Healthcare Mandates

New mandates often sound good—but many increase premiums and reduce affordability. NFIB supports a process for the Legislature to calculate the cost and premium impact of proposed mandates before they become law.

Protecting Small Employers from New Cost Burdens

Employer mandates often hit small businesses hardest because they have thinner margins, fewer staff to absorb compliance, and less flexibility to offset costs.

NFIB is watching for proposals that:

• Increase payroll costs
• Require new benefits or reporting systems
• Expand enforcement and penalties
• Add administrative burden disguised as ‘simple compliance’
• Create new private rights of action

Promoting Transparency Within the State Agency Rulemaking Processes

Small businesses routinely participate in rulemaking – but too often receive no response, no explanation, and no accountability.

NFIB supports requiring agencies to respond in writing to significant public comments, explain changes (or why concerns were rejected) and publish responses for transparency and public trust.

Make your voice heard! Direct advocacy in Santa Fe, along with the help of our members who actively reach out and voice their concerns with lawmakers, makes a big difference! Have questions or want to get more involved? Reach out to your Grassroots Manager, Kylie Barber.