Legislation
New Mexico leads the nation in groundbreaking state-tribal government-to-government relations.
Since its inception, IAD has worked hard to implement landmark state-tribal policies to move New Mexico forward. IAD works with state departments and tribal leadership to launch policies intended to improve the quality of life for Indian citizens of New Mexico.
At the core of these innovative policies is the IAD Policy Unit. The Policy Unit is vital to state-tribal governmental relationship building. The Policy Unit provides analysis and research services, training and information to the State of New Mexico and to the Nations Pueblos and Tribes (NPTs) in New Mexico on matters of mutual concern such as tribal consultation, education, health, community, economic development and legislative analysis.
To date, the Policy Unit has played an important role in the development of state-tribal consultation policies, the development state-tribal legislation such as the Tribal Infrastructure Act and the Indian Education Act, to name a few. With the increasing participation of tribal governments in state policy-making and legislation, the Policy Unit will continue to be a key resource for the state, NPTs and tribal communities throughout the state.
Legislative Report
The Legislative Report provides an overview of bills and budget actions from the 2025 Legislation Session that affect Nations, Pueblos, Tribes and Native communities in New Mexico. It explains how new laws and funding decisions may influence programs, services and partnerships between the State and Tribal governments. The report is designed to provide a clear understanding of legislative outcomes and their implications for Tribal-State relations. View full 2025 Legislative Report.
SB 163 / HB 194 House Regalia Bill
The Tribal Regalia law permits Native American students who attend state public and charter schools to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies and public school events. The legislation defines tribal regalia as “a tribe’s traditional dress or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance, including tribal symbols, jewelry, beading and/or feathers.” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Tribal Regalia bill into law on March 19, 2025. This was signed into law with an emergency clause to take effect immediately and apply to students graduating in 2025. New Mexico joins 19 other states who have similar regalia legislation.
SB 41 Senate Turquoise Alert Bill
The Turquoise Alert is a specialized emergency response to address the crisis of missing Native Americans across the state of New Mexico. This alert system requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop and implement a Turquoise Alert plan for the purpose of disseminating information about a person subject to the alert through media, law enforcement, cell service providers (in some cases) and state employees. For DPS to activate the alert, there are specific criteria that must be met for the missing person. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Turquoise Alert into law after the 2025 Legislative Session, making New Mexico is the fifth state to implement an alert system for missing Native Americans.
For questions about IAD’s Policy and Legislation contact:
Amanda Nezzie, Policy and Government Relations Director
Cell: (505) 699-3354
Email: amanda.nezzie@iad.nm.gov
