Understanding the NM Legislative Process: A Guide for REALTORS®

Kim Clark, AE, GAD | January 23, 2026

As New Mexico’s legislative session gets underway, many of the decisions that directly affect private property rights, housing availability, real estate transactions, and the business climate for REALTORS® are made long before a bill reaches the House or Senate floor. The most consequential discussions often take place quietly in committee hearings, where informed input from industry professionals can significantly influence outcomes that shape our market and our ability to serve clients.

For REALTORS®, understanding how to participate in this process is a powerful way to advocate for your clients, your business, and your community. You don’t need to be a policy expert to make an impact. You simply need to know how the process works.

🗣️ Ways to Participate in the New Mexico Legislative Process

New Mexicans have three options for providing input during committee hearings: online, in person, or through written comments. Each option is accessible and designed to ensure your voice can be heard.

🏛️ Why Committee Testimony Matters

Every bill introduced in the Legislature must be heard in one or more committees before it can advance. These hearings are where legislators listen to public testimony, ask questions, and ultimately decide whether a bill moves forward—or stops altogether.

Legislators consistently tell us that constituent testimony—especially from professionals working directly with New Mexico families and communities—helps inform their decisions. REALTORS® bring valuable, real-world insight into housing, property rights, and community needs.

💻 Option 1: Testify Online (Virtual)

This is the most accessible option for many members.

To prepare:

• Visit nmlegis.gov

• Select the “Committees” tab

• Choose the committee hearing the bill

• Look for Zoom links and instructions at the top of the committee page

During the hearing, you’ll be asked to raise your hand to indicate support or opposition. The chair will then call on participants one at a time to speak.

🏛️ Option 2: Testify In Person at the Roundhouse

If you prefer to testify in person:

• Arrive early and locate the committee room listed on the agenda

• Raise your hand when prompted to show support or opposition

• Line up at the microphone when called

• Keep your remarks brief—most testimony is limited to 1–2 minutes

✍️ Option 3: Submit Written Testimony

Some committees accept written statements for the official record. This is a strong option if you cannot attend live.

Check the committee’s webpage for instructions on whether and how written testimony is accepted.

📝 Tips for Effective Testimony

Strong testimony is:

• Respectful and calm

• Clear and concise

• Focused on real-world impact

• Grounded in personal or professional experience

A simple structure works best:

1. State your name, organization, and where you live

2. Indicate whether you support or oppose the bill

3. Briefly explain why, using personal or client stories when appropriate

🏷️ Clarifying Whether You Are Speaking Personally or on Behalf of the REALTOR® Association

It is essential to clearly distinguish whose perspective you are representing:

If you are speaking as an individual:

• State that your testimony reflects your personal views or professional experience as a REALTOR®.

• Do not imply organizational endorsement unless you have been formally authorized.

• Example: “My name is ___, and I am speaking today as a constituent and REALTOR® in ___.”

If you are speaking on behalf of SCRAR or NMAR:

• You must have explicit approval from the association.

• Use the organization’s full name and your role when you introduce yourself.

• Stick to the association’s official positions and talking points.

• Example: “My name is ___, and I am testifying today on behalf of the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS®.”

Clear distinctions protect both you and the organization, ensuring that legislators understand whether your comments reflect personal experience or an official REALTOR® position.

🤝 How the REALTOR® Association Supports You

Throughout the legislative session, the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS® and New Mexico Association of REALTORS® will help you stay informed and engaged by providing:

• Alerts when key bills are scheduled for hearings

• Bill summaries and REALTOR®-focused talking points

• Automated Calls for Action to make participation quick and easy

Our goal is to ensure every REALTOR® feels confident navigating the legislative process. When more New Mexicans participate, our laws better reflect the needs of the people they serve.