HB 243 — EQUINE SHELTER FUND & TRUST FUND

Bill Text

• Introduced introduced version Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill creates a new Equine Welfare Trust Fund, establishes new administration and reporting requirements for the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, and transfers funds between the general fund and these equine welfare funds.

• Section 77-2-32

  [The board shall administer the fund, and] → The New Mexico department of agriculture shall administer the fund, solicit applications for contracts from eligible applicants for disbursements and make disbursements of the available funds to eligible applicants that meet funding criteria on an annual basis.

  This change shifts the administration of the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund from the board to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

• Section 77-2-32

  [B. The board shall establish by rule the distribution of funds from the equine shelter rescue fund to equine rescue and retirement facilities registered by the board pursuant to Section 77-2-30 NMSA 1978, taking into consideration the number of equines being cared for in each facility and the need of each facility.] → C. To receive a contract for services, an applicant shall apply to the New Mexico department of agriculture on forms and in a manner prescribed by the department.

  This change removes the board's previous role in establishing the distribution rules for funds and specifies a process for applicants to apply for contracts.

• Section 77-2-32

  the equine shelter rescue fund for expenditure by the New Mexico department of agriculture to carry out the intent of aiding equine [rescues] rescue or retirement facilities and [homeless] equines → the equine shelter rescue fund for expenditure to carry out the intent of aiding equine rescue or retirement facilities and equines that are surrendered, transferred by the board or law enforcement or otherwise acquired for purposes of rescue or sanctuary in the state, including:

  This change clarifies the purpose of the expenditures from the equine shelter rescue fund, focusing on equines in need of rescue or sanctuary.

• Section 77-2-32

  [T]he number of equines being cared for in each facility and the need of each facility. → details and specifics as to the reasonable expected costs and the time frame of the proposed project or services.

  This modification changes the criteria for fund allocation from being based on the number of horses cared for and facility needs to a focus on project costs and time frames.

• A. The "equine welfare trust fund" is created as a nonreverting fund in the state treasury. The fund consists of distributions, appropriations, gifts, grants and donations.

  This establishes a new Equine Welfare Trust Fund dedicated to supporting equine welfare initiatives.

• D. On July 1, 2027 and each July 1 thereafter, a distribution shall be made from the equine welfare trust fund to the equine shelter rescue fund in an amount equal to four percent of the average of the year-end market values of the trust fund for the immediately preceding three calendar years.

  This mandates a scheduled distribution from the new Equine Welfare Trust Fund to the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, providing ongoing funding support.

• Five million dollars ($5,000,000) is transferred from the general fund to the equine welfare trust fund.

  This introduces a one-time transfer of funds from the state's general fund to the newly created Equine Welfare Trust Fund.

• Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the equine shelter rescue fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2027 and subsequent fiscal years.

  This adds a specified appropriation from the general fund to the Equine Shelter Rescue Fund for continued support.

Action History

1. March 24, 2026

   action postponed indefinitely

2. January 29, 2026

   Sent to House Agriculture, Acequias & Water Resources Committee & House Appropriations & Finance Committee

Sponsors

• Cynthia Borrego · Primary
• Joseph Sanchez · Primary
• G. Andrés Romero · Primary
• Tara L. Lujan · Primary

Subjects