50 State Report Card - The Castle Coalition

50statereport cardCastle CoalitionLEGISLATION REPORT CARDState:New Mexico• Reform legislation was voed in the 2006 sion, but ped in 2007.• Eminent domain may no longer be used for blight.In 2006 the Legislature passed good reformlanguage in House Bill 746. Unfortunately, thegovernor vetoed the bill, and instead formed theTask Force on the Responsibile Use of EminentDomain. A majority of the Task Force membersvoted to recommend repealing the power ofeminent domain for economic development,and lawmakers introduced several bills adoptingthe Task Force’s recommendations.This year, House Bill 393 removed thepower of eminent domain from the state’sMetropolitan Redevelopment Code—ensuringprotection for New Mexico’s home and smallbusiness owners from the type of eminentdomain abuse seen in Kelo. By no longerallowing condemnations for blight, NewMexico passed some of the nation’s strongestreform. An exception was made for so-called“antiquated platting” issues in Rio Rancho, butthat amendment was narrowly written and doesnot affect the heart of the reform.Inc.House Bill 393Sponsored by: State Representative Peter WirthStatus: Signed into law on April 3, 2007.Senate Bill 401Sponsored by: State Senator Steven NevilleStatus: Signed into law on April 3, 2007.35