The First Session of the 58th Legislature

January 4-15, 2027: Legislation may be prefiled
January 19: Opening day (noon)
February 18: Deadline for introduction
March 20: Session ends (noon)
April 9: Legislation not acted upon by governor is pocket vetoed*
June 18: Effective date of legislation not a general appropriation bill or a bill carrying an emergency clause or other specified date
*Dependent on 2026 Constitutional Amendment outcome

BlueSky Profile

Senator Bill O’Neill Bill to “Ban the Box” Clears the Senate

Senate News & Op-Eds

Senator Bill O’Neill Bill to “Ban the Box” Clears the Senate

(Santa Fe, NM)— Today, The Senate passed Senator Bill O’Neill’s bill to “Ban the Box,” ensuring New Mexicans have adequate job opportunities despite what happened in their pasts.

Senate Bill 78 will prevent employers from including a question about prior convictions on job applications.

“People who have committed crimes deserve to be punished, but once they have completed their sentences, their ability to find jobs and be productive members of society is crucial,” said Senator O’Neill.

“Many people with convictions find it difficult to find a job; making the likelihood they will re-offend skyrocket. That’s the opposite of what we want,” Senator O’Neill continued.

This bill now goes to the House for consideration and if passed to the Governor, for her signature.